Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

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

Not recommended for growing in Australia - tropical regions

  • 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 Mar 12, Fred Merbein (Australia - tropical climate)
I live near Mildura Victoria can I grow rhubarb in this hot climate with ease
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09 Apr 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
Why are my rhubarb stalks not getting fat, I have tried cooking them (thin) but they are tough and don't cook no matter how long i stew them
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08 Jun 12, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can roots be purchased around Brisbane
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17 Jul 12, maree (Australia - temperate climate)
The leaves on my rubbarb turn brown and the stem is soft. Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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19 Jul 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Maree. The only thing I can think of is that the rhubarb has had too much water. It does like to be watered, but must be free draining. If it gets a bucketing down rainstorm, over a few days, like Melbourne had recently, it can just rot in the ground.
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21 Jul 12, mary (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long will it take my small rhubarb seedlings to grow big enough to be able to use the stalks.
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30 Jul 12, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, looking for cause of Rhubarb leaves turning brown. Live on south coast NSW. Regards, Peter
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03 Aug 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
had never seen rhubarb in flower and wasnt sure if i should let it go or not thanks for your informative page
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05 Aug 12, joan (Australia - tropical climate)
Do I have tocover the crowns of my rhubarb plant ? if so soil or straw
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06 Sep 12, Belinda Cincotta (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can i buy a rhubarb forcing pot in the sydney area?
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Is it too late to plant rhubarb from plants this year in my zone? The chart above says March. Or should I wait until next year? Thank you!

- Kristen

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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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