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 Jun 22, Mindi (USA - Zone 8a climate)
We grow Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb and Victoria and they both do very well here in Eastern NC.
05 May 22, Amathonn (USA - Zone 9a climate)
My Month by Month Florida Gardening book says you can grow rhubarb year-round in north Florida and August to October in central and south Florida. I’m guessing shade cloth would be in order for the latter two the rest of the year. I never cared much for it growing up in Iowa but I think I’ll give it a try at my little hobby farm near Arcadia, Fl just for the challenge of it.
06 Jun 22, Mindi (USA - Zone 8a climate)
If you can plant them either in big pots or in dappled sun/part shade it may be helpful but I don't think shade cloth would help as much as drip irrigation may. Best of luck!
06 May 22, Anonymous (Australia - tropical climate)
The plants probably need more regular watering than shade cloth. Heavy shade cloth will reduce the available sunlight. By this guide not a lot of opportunity to grow it in zones 6a or 6b. I have absolutely no idea what your weather is like - I live in Australia.
20 Mar 22, Wayneman (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I live in zone 9a and have had success growing rhubarb. I have it in planter boxes and it seemed like it would not make the first summer but it is beautiful this spring. I keep in in partial shade during the summer.
31 Dec 22, Steven Walker (USA - Zone 9a climate)
What kind of rhubarb did you purchase? What special precautions did you take to grow rhubarb?
18 Jan 22, Washingtonian in Texas (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I am from East Washington but moved to Texas. Rhubarb is one of my favorite things and when I was growing up in my Washington hometown, my grandma had a huge, really old rhubarb plant that had been producing stalks since before I was born. And I would just pull a stalk out of the ground, wash off with her hose, and snack on whenever I felt like it. Well, I married a military man, and he got stationed in San Antonio and then he got offered a civilian job here, so we are now here to stay. I would really like to grow rhubarb in my garden, especially because I can't even find it here in the store (and the only two times I have found it fresh in the store, the cashiers didn't even know what it was. I kid you not. That's how rare rhubarb is here, so uncommon that the locals don't even know what it looks like as a fresh vegetable). Anyway, does anyone know how I might grow rhubarb here in my new climate? I really miss it. Thanks!
02 Sep 22, Tiffles (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Woo. You have it harder than I do. Thisishwat I read and I am trying some in 8a soon. Shaded during summer, good ventilation for air. Plants may shade it but you may need shade cloth. You MAY need to keep it in a big planter and move it in if you have heat wave. We don't really have big heat waves here in NC, but I lived near Austin, TX area and I remember those heat waves....
18 Mar 22, Dorth Her (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Where did you find rhubarb seeds/crowns? What variety are you growing? I’ve been looking and the websites I’ve been able to find different varieties they have sold out. I really want and can’t find is the German Wine variety. Any recommendations?
19 Jan 22, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
It's probably too hot and dry in Texas to grow rhubarb in a garden bed. If you have a pot that you can move into shade, you might be lucky.
Showing 21 - 30 of 56 comments

You should be able to grow rhubarb in NW Arkansas. Plants are normally available in the winter from nurseries. Burpee's also list them. If your winter is severe put a good layer of straw over them to help insulate them.

- John

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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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