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

30 Aug 19, Katharin (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Harvesting notes say do not harvest rhubarb until a year old ! So what does that mean ? ie if I buy plants from garden centre I’m guessing already a year old ??? Maybe . Or does it mean once a crown is planted in my garden leave for first year . I have planted crowns given to me but didn’t do well so have moved ... now looking better , I have a variety of plants from garden centres , markets etc . I’m confused as too what year I can start harvesting. Some of it this season we hope ... how will we know . ?
03 Sep 19, anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I have not seen rhubarb growing for 50+ years but I would guess it depends on the size of the crown and how fat/big and healthy the stalks/crown looks. I bought asparagus crowns - about 50mm diameter - how old probably 6-9 mths. I grew some from seed and at 12 mths they were 150mm dia. Judge by how good the plant looks.
26 Jul 19, Paula Mitchell (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I grow some rhubarb plant s in Brisbane now
29 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Gardenate does say plant Sept. www.gardenate.com/plant/Rhubarb?zone=3
24 Jul 19, John Clark (Australia - temperate climate)
Good afternoon, I am finding that my rhubarb stalks are growing very thin and weak shoots/stalks instead of the thicker stalk as one would normally expect. I don't think it is solely related to the cold weather only. may be too much fertilizer as I once read. Any thoughts would be appreciated. I assume you would use e-mail in your response. Thank you John Clark
29 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If the plant is old might cause this I have read.
25 Jul 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
Too much N would probably produce a lot of leaf and smaller thinner stalks. Growing them in the shade might cause it. Keep growing them and see what happens in the warmer weather. Postings are responded to here. I'm not the owner either.
21 Jul 19, Judith Hill (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, we are in Toowoomba Queensland. Have Black Soil. Have tried several times to grow rhubard with the same results. Plant does extremly well for a few months, then you can see it gradually dying from the ground up. We have tried partial shade,and full sun. Also tried in pots. I have just bought another 4 plants
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
Showing 181 - 190 of 635 comments

Is it normal for rhubarb roots to grow on the surface. I have two roots from a 2 year old plant growing along the top of the ground. Could it be looking for more water. Thank you

- Cheryl

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