A strong perennial herb, to be grown in a bed or row by itself at one end or side of the garden. It is a heavy feeder (Fig. 190).

313. French Breakfast and olive shaped radishes.

Rhubarb is usually propagated by division of the fleshy roots, smalt pieces of which will grow if separated from the old established roots and planted in rich mellow soiL Poor soil should be made rich by spading out at least 3 feet of the surface, filling with well-rotted manure to within 1 foot of the level, throwing in the top soil and setting the roots with the crowns 4 inches below the surface, firming them with the feet. The stalks should not be cut for use until the second year. See that the plant does not want for water when it is making its heavy leaf growth. In fall, coarse manure should be thrown over the crowns, to be forked or spaded in lightly when spring opens.

In growing seedling rhubarb, the seed may be sown in a coldframe in March or April, protected from freezing, and in two months the plants will be ready to set in rows, 12 inches apart. Give the plants good cultivation, and the following spring they may be set in a permanent place. At this time the plants should be set in well-prepared ground, at a distance each way of 4 to 5 feet, and treated as those set with pieces of.

If given good care and well manured, the plants will live for years and yield abundantly. Two dozen good roots will supply a large family.