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

12 Dec 16, Ken Thackeray (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Rhubarb seems to come in several varieties, almost all green stemmed to deep red. I have grown both types and as long as the stems are of a decent size they taste much the same when cooked. Delicious ! Just don't eat it too often, as rhubarb is very high in Oxalic Acid and can be toxic in large doses.
27 Jun 20, Grant Hackett (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You can safely eat as much rhubarb stalks as you like, just don't eat the leaves, that is the part of the plant that is toxic but they are safe to compost
23 Nov 13, Rose (Australia - temperate climate)
Do i need to cover the crown or leave it exposed? My rhubarb is looking very wimpy, floppy stalks etc. It's in a big pot, could I be overwatering it?
14 Nov 13, Lindsey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted rhubarb in large tub about 3 months ago, was doing well then suddenly it looks like its dying off leaves withering fallen over should I plant in ground? it did get a lot of sun in planter should I move it?
06 Nov 13, vallery scheepers (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
We are staying in the east rand.Where can i buy Rhubarb plants or seed ?
06 Nov 13, Tanya (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My rhubarb has been in for a few months now and it is growing very well. It looks so healthy so why can't I pick it and cook. Why do I have to leave it for a year before I harvest?
03 Nov 13, Piero (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is there a way to produce a sweeter crop of stalks by feeding specific compounds?
14 Oct 13, Jenny Thomas (Australia - temperate climate)
After you have harvested the rhubarb do you cut it to ground level and leave to regrow - and, if you fertilise, what do you use? many thanks.
27 Oct 13, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
NO, you pull the stalks away from the plant. New stalks will grow from between the existing stalks. I fertilise with compost and blood and bone and my plants do very well
13 Oct 13, Sue Williams (Australia - temperate climate)
I've got 2 rhubarb plants, possibly about 10 years old - beautiful huge glossy leaves but the stalks are only about 4" long. I've heard that rhubarb is a big feeder so they've got plenty of well rotted horse manure but it only seems to be feeding the leaves ! Help ......
Showing 531 - 540 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.