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 41°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 35 inches 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

06 Mar 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 12b climate)
They don't recommend planting it in your climate zone.
19 Feb 23, Rebecca (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Advice on planting Victoria rhubarb in pots.
20 Feb 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Read the notes here or google how to grow it.
19 Feb 23, Tony (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
What is the best way to havest rhubarb
29 Apr 23, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate climate)
I find the best way to harvest rhubarb is: hold the stalk (flat hand) close to the ground (about 3/4 of the way down) -- push the stalk sideways and backwards (45 degree angle out away from the plant) -- once you hear the snap, grab the stalk twist and pull simultaneously.
19 Feb 23, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
Hold the stem close to the ground and twist gently as you pull it up
30 Jan 23, phil coppola (USA - Zone 7b climate)
What variety of rhubarb is best to grow as a perennial in zone 7. I tried rhubarb about 45 years ago and was unsuccessful. Reason being that the temperature in the winter wasn't cold enough in the winter and if you were to try to grow it you were required to expose the bulb (?roots) to a freeze. Are there new varieties that don't require that. Please advise.
23 Jan 23, Graeme Horn (Australia - temperate climate)
What is eating my Rhubarb Leaves, nearly nothing left of leaf.
12 Feb 23, Nat (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Possums? Put some netting over it!
25 Oct 22, Niki Farr (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is the best way to harvest rhubarb stalks-cut using a knife or twist and tear? Thanks
Showing 31 - 40 of 627 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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