Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

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

(Best months for growing Rhubarb in Australia - sub-tropical 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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15 Dec 15, Paul (Australia - arid climate)
Rhubarb has a tendancy to die back if too hot or cold, the crown still remains and will grow back when ready. Just dont drown it with standing water! I grow it in raised beds, containers and aquaponics beds, all with no problem as long as the roots do not remain waterlogged. Remember, if your rhubarb flowers it is either thirsty or hungry! So keep it well watered and feed monthly!!!
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13 Dec 15, Penny Pritchard (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The whole plant appears to be dieing can you give any reason why? Many thanks
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18 Nov 15, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Annette, there are various rhubarb varieties, some have green, some red stalks, the red ones tend not to be so sour! happy gardening
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16 Nov 15, Cas Allan (Australia - temperate climate)
Gordon Staples, I asked the same question about some of my rhubarb not turning red. Tonight I cooked some of the green stems and they taste the same as the red ones. Yes, you can eat the green ones.
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07 Nov 15, Michelle carbine (Australia - temperate climate)
When you buy a rhubarb crown does the entire thing have to be under the soil and how long after planting before signs of growth should be noticed?
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01 Nov 15, Geoff Gabbott (Australia - temperate climate)
Q- Bug Problem I have found bugs having a feast on my plants Have an oval body , legs, antenna- etc size- approx 10/20 mm long - colour mainly black with yellow patches on back - one was 20mm + - can climb metal fences- even after hose down of metal fence they climb again . some have various colours - say "dull grey" but most have distinctive yellow backs Can you identify ? - also pest control advice will be appreciated - I live in Canberra Thanks Geoff
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18 Nov 15, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Geoff, I had that problem last year, might be Rutherglen bugs? https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/mycrop/diagnosing-rutherglen-bug hope this helps, happy gardening
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14 Oct 15, John Madden (Australia - temperate climate)
What do you do when plants produce a seed head?
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10 Sep 15, Terry Fitzgerald (Australia - temperate climate)
Will rubarb grow at coffs harbour and how well
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30 Sep 15, jan furniss (Australia - temperate climate)
rubarb should grow in coffs harbour,they like semy shade
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Showing 301 - 310 of 474 comments
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I had the same problem with my rhubarb. It never thrived. For 3 years, it was in a spot that received western sun and full shade in winter. The soil wad always dry, and I had to keep the water up. I moved it into a north east facing raised bed full of rich soil and mulched thickly. Did this about 6 weeks ago, and it has already doubled in size. The leaves are bigger, greener and lush. The stalks are also thick and crisp! We're coming into winter now, so your rhubarb might take a little longer to recover. Give it a good drink of seaweed at transplant. I also soak my mulch in seaweed solution before mulching. As for the holes in the leaves, that will probably be from a grub. Inspect your plant and its root ball before transplanting, so you don't bring the little muncher over too! Sometimes grubs hide in the ground. Good luck!

- Claudia

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