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

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02 Jan 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Any general fertiliser is good.
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17 Nov 23, M (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’ve got a rhubarb plant I planted at the end of sept/early oct. Several of the larger leaves have turned yellow (about 3) and about 3 new baby stalks have turned yellow. There are still about 10 large green healthy leaves on there. Is there something I’m doing wrong?
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25 Nov 23, (Australia - temperate climate)
The larger leaves could be just old ones. The new leaves could be lack of fertiliser.
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15 Nov 23, Arlene Johnson (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I live in Dallas, TX and I would like to plant some rhubarb, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, and beets. When do i plant these and can I plant them in a shaded part of the yard?
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25 Nov 23, (Australia - temperate climate)
You will have to look up on this website, each different vegetable to see when to plant. Veg general need sun and lots of it.
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02 Nov 23, Maren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
My plants are healthy but the stalks aren’t very red in colour? And red only halfway up the stem?
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25 Nov 23, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
That is normal.
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11 Sep 23, Candace Norman (Canada - Zone 2a Sub-Arctic climate)
Planted from nursery stock this year. No flower/seed stalks apparent, do I pull or cut fruit stalks then mulch over for winter?
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29 Aug 23, sally (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, I have a very healthy rhubarb growing and it is gigantic. Leaves are big as elephants ears. I have thick long healthy stalks but they are green. I have slight pinkish tint at lower end of stalk but rest is green. It is about 5 months old and has grown amazingly, but I have pulled 1 stalk and cooked it, it had no taste whatsoever.
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06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like you over fertilised and water it.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 635 comments
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My Nan used to stew rhubarb and while warm add a packet of jelly crystals (Port Wine is good) and stir until crystals dissolve. She would then pour the mix into a jelly mould and let setin the fridge. Turn out of mould and serve with cream/ice-cream/custard. The sweetness of the jelly offsets the tartness of the rhubarb. Very yummy. As an adult I realised it was the easiest compote you can make.

- Michele - Tassy

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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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