Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P                

(Best months for growing Rhubarb in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant crowns
  • Easy to grow. Plant pieces of rhizome or roots 8 - 10 cm (3 - 4 in.) deep. Best planted at soil temperatures between 5°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 90 cm apart
  • Harvest in approximately 1 years. You will have a stronger plant if you leave it for about a year before using..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Brassicas (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, etc)

Your comments and tips

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08 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If unhealthy pull them off. Look up a natural spray for leafy veggies.
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12 Apr 23, Judy James (Australia - temperate climate)
My rhubarb has got new growth at the moment in April but I would like to transplant it. When is the best month please? Thanks. Judy
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19 Apr 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
August Sept
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28 Mar 23, Vince (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Is there a strain of rhubarb that grows in zone 9a?
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12 Jul 23, Deborah (USA - Zone 9a climate)
https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/edible-gardens-for-austin/vegetable-gardening-in-austin/rhubarb-texas-style/
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24 Mar 23, kathy cadler (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Can I harvest rhubarb all summer in zone 3a safely? I read recently that late summer harvests are poisonous . I’ve heard and have been practicing harvesting 1/3 or less of the plant at a time. Then I wait 2 weeks before harvesting again all summer long. I have big healthy beautiful plants that are over 20 years old.
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23 Mar 23, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I read that kangarhu rhubarb is good for zone 9B. They are heat tolerant I'm going to try one.
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23 Mar 23, (USA - Zone 5b climate)
When can I plant rhubarb plants outside in zone five I grew them from seed inside my house?
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15 Mar 23, Peter McDougal (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Why does my Rhubarb taste earthy
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05 Mar 23, Steve Gollis (USA - Zone 12b climate)
Any varieties that will grow in Zone 12? I wouldn't mind trying one of the Zone 8 varieties, but I think I would have to harvest it the first year because it looks like it won't be happy without some cold. Any advice will be helpful, I miss my rhubarb dishes and it's like pulling teeth to get the stores to stock it! Thanks!
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Showing 21 - 30 of 627 comments
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My guess is that your soil has too much clay content in it for rhubarb. It does this in heavy soil. I tried to grow it in the ground here, I have very rich, dark soil but it borders on high clay content. My plant suffered until I removed it and potted it up in large terracotta pot with light potting mix. Now it's doing brilliantly. The terracotta keeps the roots cool and stops the crown from rotting. But it has to be watered daily potted up like that as it wilts very easily. I ended up growing my rhubarb and strawberries in pots because they just didn't like the heavy soil. They are producing wonderfully now and make a nice display together. An alternative could be to add a lot of organic material to your soil and plant it into a built up mound for free draining situation.

- Clara

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