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 7a 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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20 Dec 12, Bert (Australia - temperate climate)
Maureen there are small flies like aphids everywhere in my garden taking the goodness out of plants as you describe. I used the appropriate spray and got them out
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02 Feb 13, Ernie (Australia - temperate climate)
Maureen, I've also come across this problem and discovered the culprits are possums - they love emerging leaf growth and if left unattended they can kill off the roots.
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16 Dec 12, Bridget Baynham (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can rhubarb be grown in a large pot?
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08 Sep 13, Colleen S. Johnson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It will grow well in a large pot. Remember it is a gross feeder and likes plenty of fertiliser.
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23 Dec 12, bec (Australia - temperate climate)
how do make my rhubarb stalks go red what are they needing for this problem thanks
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27 Jan 13, Kevin (Australia - temperate climate)
You cant change the colour of the stalks,it is purely a cosmetic thing ,taste is no different,if you want a red colour when you cook the stalks add some mixed berries ( from the frozen section of the supermarket or cochinealle!!
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14 Jan 13, Elsie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
This plant seems to be almost unavailable. Where in the world can one get hold of seedlings or seeds if possible? Thank you for your good work!
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13 Jun 13, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You can obtain seedlings from a Nursery in Rosetta/Nottingham Road in KZN
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19 Nov 13, Baré Vorster (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Seeds for Africa has Victoria seeds avaliable.
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17 Jan 13, Jim Kay (Australia - temperate climate)
How much water do the plants need ? should they be kept damp or allowed to dry out ? I'm not having much success
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Showing 51 - 60 of 629 comments
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Hi, I am concerned that my rhubarb is very prolific (leaves and stalks) however it has not turned red - it remains green. The name on it is "rhubarb - tasmanian grown". Looking forward to hearing from someone. Thx....Lesley

- Lesley

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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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