Overwintering Rhubarb: Mulch On Crown?

Question

Hi!! I love your site, am growing rhubarb this year in a container on my balcony in Seattle. Your first article about growing rhubarb on containers says to protect the plant by mulching but don’t cover the crown. The link for overwintering seems to say to cover the crown with mulch.

Answer 1

You are correct in both instances. During the spring/summer, you can use mulch, but it should not touch the stems. In the winter, you can cover the top of the plant with mulch to protect it from freezing weather. In the spring, pull back the mulch from the crown.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/protecting-rhubarb-in-winter.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/rhubarb/growing-rhubarb-in-pots.htm