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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
12 Oct 20, Melanie Taylor (Australia - temperate climate)
Just wondering if it is possible to grow rhubarb in a large container, we have downsized and are short on space? TIA
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Oct 20, Marshall (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Hi, Rhubarb does great in containers. I've had one for years as an ornamental.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Oct 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could do it. It would take a lot of looking after. A suggestion, buy a 200lt drum, cut it in half, put some holes in the bottom for drainage. Plastic 200lt drum on Facebook - market place.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Oct 20, martin (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy rhubarb plants?
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Oct 20, Nick Baxendale (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Martin There is a company in the Cape called seeds for Africa, they sell the seeds. Cheers Nick
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Google where to buy rhubarb in S A.
Reply or Post a new comment
25 Sep 20, Nkreen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Best planting option soil sun and watering please. Desperate to get a plant growing healthy for rhubarb crumble
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Sep 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Start with good rich soil, 6-8 hrs sunlight a day, and water 3 times a week. Read the notes here first.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Sep 20, Angela Smith (Australia - temperate climate)
what advice can you give someone who is about to start planting first crop of rhubarb. I live in South Australia and we have just started our spring
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Sep 20, Barbara Robinson (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in riverland where it can get very hot in summer in the 40 I have plant rhubarb plant in morning sun after shade. Do they need a lot of water, and fertiliser
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 121 - 130 of 637 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Rhubarb

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.