Ottawa's springs are notoriously short, but one plant doesn't just tolerate the Canadian climate — it thrives in it. Rhubarb is a true spring delight for Ottawa gardeners, and according to the Ottawa Citizen, it's one of the most rewarding and low-maintenance perennials you can add to your yard.
A Plant Built for Canadian Winters
Rhubarb is a cold-hardy perennial, which means once you plant it, it comes back year after year with virtually no intervention. Ottawa's harsh winters are actually an asset here — rhubarb needs a period of cold dormancy to flourish. Those long, frosty months set the stage for a vigorous spring comeback, with those signature crimson stalks pushing up through the soil as soon as temperatures begin to climb.
Unlike many garden vegetables that demand constant attention, rhubarb is relatively trouble-free when it comes to pests and diseases. It's the kind of plant you can tuck into a corner of your garden and largely forget about until harvest time rolls around.
Getting Started
If you're new to growing rhubarb, the best approach is to start from a crown — a division from an established plant — rather than seed. Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, give it a generous helping of compost, and water it in well. After that, the main rule is patience: resist harvesting in the first year to let the plant establish a strong root system.
By the second spring, you'll be rewarded with thick, juicy stalks ready to be snapped off at the base. Harvest what you need, leave a few stalks on the plant to keep it healthy, and it'll keep producing for decades.
What to Do With the Harvest
Once you've got rhubarb coming out of your ears — and you will — Ottawa has no shortage of inspiration. Local farmers' markets like the Parkdale Market and Lansdowne's Ottawa Farmers' Market are already seeing rhubarb appear on vendor tables, and it pairs beautifully with strawberries just a few weeks later.
Classic rhubarb crisp, tarts, jams, and even rhubarb-infused cocktails are all fair game. The stalks freeze exceptionally well, so you can stockpile your spring harvest and enjoy the flavour well into fall.
A Low-Effort Reward
For Ottawa homeowners looking for an easy win in the garden, rhubarb checks every box. It's perennial, pest-resistant, cold-hardy, and endlessly productive. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting to dig into backyard growing, adding a rhubarb crown or two this spring is a decision you won't regret.
The only real caveat: rhubarb leaves are toxic, so always stick to the stalks. But the stalks themselves? Absolute spring magic.
Source: Ottawa Citizen — Home and garden: Rhubarb is an absolute spring delight
