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

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17 Nov 15, Annette Jackson (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Am growing rhubarb in Johannesburg in a sunny. Position is that why it has green stalks
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25 Aug 15, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I've just bought a plant from the nursery at Virgina Circle opp Checkers can't remember their name now.
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14 May 15, yano govender (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
want to buy a Rhubarb plant i live in durban kzn in the phoenix area..heard so much about this stuff wanna taste it
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13 Mar 15, paula (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
where can i buy Rhubarb plant in durban north if you plant stick o\f bought rhubard will it grow from shop bought rhubard
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09 Mar 15, craig linton (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can rhubarb grow in a tunnel.?
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16 Nov 14, Helena Brand (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Please tell me how must one cook rhubarb. My mother in law cooked this many time, but I never asked to do this. Plain simple recipy.
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24 Nov 14, Helena Brand (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I steamed the rhubarb and it came out lovely with custard. Very chuffed with myself
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06 Nov 13, vallery scheepers (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
We are staying in the east rand.Where can i buy Rhubarb plants or seed ?
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03 Nov 13, Piero (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is there a way to produce a sweeter crop of stalks by feeding specific compounds?
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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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Showing 51 - 60 of 63 comments
See comments for all plants

It's okay to plant rhubarb now. Rhubarb often dies back in the winter in cooler areas. It doesn't like a hot position so plant it so that it gets shelter from the afternoon heat if necessary. Rhubarb is a 'gross' feeder which means it likes lots of manure and water to give the best results. A couple of handfuls of Blood & Bone, a shovel full of old manure or a handful of pelletised manure placed in the bottom of the planting hole and covered with a layer of soil before planting will give good results. Most rhubarb that is sold is grown from seed and the resulting stem colour can range from all green to a good red. The flavour will still be the same. To redden it up when cooking add a few drops of cochineal (a natural red colouring) while it is cooking. To avoid adding sugar try using Stevia which is available at many shops. Stevia is a non calorie extract from the Stevia plant and is much better for you. All the best.

- 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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