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 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

13 Jan 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I don't grow rhubarb but if the leaves are dead then cut them back.
22 Dec 19, Hannes (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What time of the year is best to plant Rhubarb seeds in Gauteng?
24 Dec 19, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Go to the blue tab above
30 Dec 19, anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Work out your climate zone then go to Rhubarb and set your climate, then check when to plant.
14 Dec 19, Brian Cossill (New Zealand - temperate climate)
ruhbarb doesn't need any thing done to your plant in NZ other than water fortnightly cheers Brian
09 Dec 19, Brian Cossill (New Zealand - temperate climate)
is there any sense in using a rhubarb forcer to increase the length of the stalks during the growing season in NZ cheers Brian
12 Dec 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Read up about what a forcer does on the net.
10 Dec 19, Anon (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I suggest you google rhubarb forcer and read what it does.
03 Dec 19, Spike Petersen (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been wondering if a raised garden bed would be ok to grow rhubarb as a horticulturist this is one plant that has been a difficult one to grow as well as strawberries nothing much else is a problem. Its been said that I can get a broom handles to grow yet rhubarb eludes me. Thanks in advance
14 Dec 19, Craig chapman (Australia - temperate climate)
Gday spike yes this is my first year growing rhubarb in raised garden beds, my harvest is unbelievable,our temperature where I am gets very hot 46 is not uncommon, however this year I covered my entire veg I patch with fruit fly netting (we get the here) the netting is only 2-3% shade so on the roof I staggered 70% shade cloth that is 1.8 wide the missed 1.8 and so on so every thing gets sun but not all the time, my beds consisted Of we’ll rotten cow manure with a sandy top about 4-5 inches then sugar cane mulch to keep moisture in, hope this helps..
Showing 161 - 170 of 637 comments

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.