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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03 Jun 18, Christine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes I too am after a rhubarb forcer. They are very expensive.
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04 Jun 18, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You could try the old idea of using an upside down terracotta pot over the crown or try some of the ideas here www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-force-rhubarb/
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11 Sep 10, Susan Lavenau (USA - Zone 10a climate)
How long can you cut Rhubarb in the Northern Nevada area? My brother in law says not to cut after August. Is that correct?
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27 Mar 11, Bea (Australia - temperate climate)
I am from Germany, we use to harvest Rhubarb only in Spring (21.March-20. June)after that Rhubarb will develop to much oxalic acid.We also have the saying < you can harvest the Rhubarb only during Strawberry Time> because of that
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Showing 471 - 474 of 474 comments
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There are both red and green stemmed rhubarb plants. The green stems will always be green and taste just as good. My red rhubarb stems are red from the beginning so harvesting is just a matter of pulling the stem off when I want to use it. Sometimes the stems are thin, but during mid to late spring are usually thicker. The plants are gross feeders so keep the compost up to them and water well in summer. I chop the leaves from the stems and leave them around the base of the plant.

- Nola

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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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