Rhubarb is a popular vegetable in Minnesota gardens. It is a perennial plant that comes back from its roots each year. Once established, it will remain productive for many years, provided it is cared for properly and continues to receive adequate sunlight.

There are several good varieties of rhubarb available, including McDonald, Canada Red, Valentine, Chipman,and Victoria,a tasty green-stemmed variety. Green-stemmed varieties can be just as sweet as red or pink ones, and they are quite a bit more productive.

You can start rhubarb from seed, from potted plants, or from root divisions that contain one or more buds. Choose a location with well-drained, fertile soil that receives direct sunlight most of the day. Stay clear of trees that will continue to grow and eventually overshadow the rhubarb.

Incorporate a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at planting time. Continue to fertilize the rhubarb each spring, just as it begins to grow. Work one cup of 10-10-10 into the soil in a circle around each plant. Water during hot, dry weather. Reduce weed competition by mulching around the base of the plant or by shallow cultivation.

Wait a couple of years before starting to harvest rhubarb. Once it is well established, you can pull stems each spring through the end of June. Cut out any flower stalk that develops; you don't want the plant to waste energy on seed production.

Keep in mind that rhubarb leaves are always considered poisonous. Their stems are never poisonous, though they do get "woody" and more fibrous late in the season. When you trim rhubarb, throw the leaves into a compost pile where they'll break down and lose their toxicity.

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