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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24 Feb 24, Helen (Australia - tropical climate)
I don't live in Australia anymore. I have retired in Cambodia. Where I live in Siem Reap has a tropical climate How can I grow rhubarb here in Cambodia, please? Kind regards, Helen.
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02 Feb 24, Mark (Australia - temperate climate)
a. Rhubarb leaves - yellowed/dead leaf edges (removed from plant 30 Jan) b. Rhubarb - overall stunted growth & poor stem growth; rhubarb should be in abundance this time of year planted in raised beds good high organic soil Ph 7.6
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28 Dec 23, John R Pellegrini (Australia - temperate climate)
what is the best fertilizer for it
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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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I live in south central Tennessee and want to grow rhubarb. Can I do so as a perennial or do I have to treat it as an annual? And where is the best place to plant the crowns?

- Deborah Winquest

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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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