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

22 Jul 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have never grown it. Sounds like it might die off in winter and reshoot in spring. Loosen up your soil with compost etc. Even put it in a raised bed for drainage. Plant Sept - Oct. Don't over water it. Read up on the internet.
03 Apr 19, Gwen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have planted rhubarb seeds, which are up & looking healthy. When should I plant them into garden. Regards Gwen
27 Mar 19, Pamela Griffiths (Australia - arid climate)
I have a rhubarb plant which has mainly green stems. I planted it in spring six months ago. It is growing very well but I read that you should not pick stems for the first year or so. Does that mean I leave all the leaves on the plant and wait longer until I cut the stalks or do I cut the leaves off now leaving the corm exposed. I have it well covered in mulch.
21 Mar 19, john payne (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Adelaide south Australia my rhubarb grows slow and stunted. the soil is clay based but is worked very well with organic matter,but I still get poor results.how do I solve this problem?
09 Jun 19, Daniel (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
15 Mar 19, Bruce LESTER (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it ok to grow Rhubarb next to my Asparagus bed?
29 Apr 19, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
I have read that they are good companions. I am currently dividing my Asparagus and my Rhubarb and they will be in the same bed and planted at recommended spacings of 60 cm.
17 Mar 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
Have a think about it. Asparagus has a tall fern on it most of the year - do you want it shading the rhubarb?
15 Feb 19, TOMMY (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
please advise where i can buy rhubarb crowns for planting this year, what is best type for western cape conditions,what quantities would you suggest for home produce market sales in two years time
27 Oct 19, Nadine (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I found rhubarb in Riebeek West nursery and in Wellington nursery next to the Perfect place. I think it was ringard Victoria. If it's sold in local nurseries I believe they'll be fine in our climate. Mine has been growing for a few weeks now, transplanted in a shade net house and still doing good
Showing 191 - 200 of 637 comments

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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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