Briefly storing rhubard divides?

[Ben Brewcat]

I just received several rhubarb divides! However, my garden is going to be renovated with terraces (finally) this week to fix my sloping runoff problem. It'll take me a few days at least to build the thing, and then will need to move over the compost and whatnot, so I won't be ready to plant the things for a couple weeks probably.

With our bizarre hot weather, they've already shot some shoots (though there are also some root sections; I don't know if they'll take). I was thinking of just putting them in the fridge, or maybe in some loose soil in the cellar? How to put these divides on hold for a bit?

[carbide]

Either method will work fine. If you store them in the fridge just be sure that they don't dry out as most all machines are frost free now and will suck the moisture right out of them. As for storing them in the cellar again be sure that you store them im moist (not wet) dirt.

My wife just made an apple-rhubarb pie on Friday from some that we had stored in the freezer from last spring. Great stuff.

[honeyman46408]

OK another question

I am going to mail some "splits" "divides" of rhubarb and I am thinking put them in a plastic bag ( in a box ) and mail--How long should they last like this?

Ther are just begining to send out shoots.

[MapMan]

If you are dealing with divides, make certain that you give the roots some time to callus up a bit (in the shade, and not in windy conditions). If not, you are inviting them to rot. Make certain you are working with moist and not wet media - a small bark or excelsior (even shredded cardboard) media is perfect. Avoid a heavy soil mix - again it promotes rot. For shipping, make certain you have perforated the bag the roots will travel in (use a paper punch), and moisten the excelsior or shredded cardboard to saturation point, not dripping wet.

MM