Rhubarb in Spain

[Graye]

We have some friends visiting us at the moment from Spain. They have heard that rhubarb is difficult to grow in hot climes (they live about 50 miles inland from Malaga on a fertile plain about 500m asl) but would like to try, especially if anyone could recommend the right seeds. I think they have discovered that by altering the growing season so that they plant in September for spring harvesting they might stand a better chance of raising a decent crop. Anyone with any opinions/ideas? Also they have tried raising swede seedlings, but with little success. Is there anyone with advice to give on this subject please?

[possum]

Rhubarb grows exceptionally well here, must better than I ever could in the UK. We get summer temperatures up to 40 and is it above 30 for several months of the year. I think the secret is to make sure it gets enough water.

[Graye]

Do you change the growing season or does it get the full sun? That's the sort of temperatures they get - they live inland about 500m asl where the summers are hot and windy and the winters can be frosty and/or wet.

Funny when you live overseas, there is always some sort of veggie you really miss. With me it's parsnips - we find them sometimes in the shops and on markets but this year I've got some of my own growing. The problem is I'm not sure I will manage to let them get bigger than a couple of inches long before I have to pull them for dinner.