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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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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Hi John, I also live in Adelaide and grow rhubarb. Mine grows very well autumn to spring but suffers in summer and goes to seed heavily. I find lots of rooster booster during the growing period and water over summer keeps it growing well, also harvest heavily over the growing months. I am about to do my first cut back and divide of root this winter as I want to reclaim the area I planted and move it to a shaded area for better growing in summer and frost protection in winter. Soil preparation will be 1 part compost 2 parts in place soil heavily dosed with rooster booster. For the first 12 months I will take time to ensure the area will be kept damp all year round until established. Hope that helps.

- Daniel

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