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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
17 Sep 17, Julie (Australia - temperate climate)
I have been growing one rhubarb crown in a pot for 12 months. The stalks are very thin but tasty. Just bought a much bigger pot & some compost to replant it into. Should I put the pot up on bricks like my lemon tree or just on the ground?
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In a pot it requires more care and attention. Good soil and a regular fertilizing to produce good stalks. I don't think it really matters if it is raised or not.
Reply or Post a new comment
07 Sep 17, Bill (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best manure for Rhubarb, dry or liquid
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Depends which manure - read about them. Manure is a good soil builder. Low to mid strength fertiliser. Fresh manure better to make a water tea with. Old dry manure better to incorporate into the soil.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Aug 17, Val Scott (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in Durban can I buy rhubarb plants?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Aug 17, Jennufer smith (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in kingaroy qld ..we have around 36 deg summer and a very small winter maybe 3 frosts..but does get down to 4 deg ..could you tell me the best place to grow rhubarb ..it will be in the ground .. .and how will i know how high to cover with dirt ..ta Jenny .
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes above. In warm areas grow it in shady areas and plant 100mm or 4" deep in Sept.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Aug 17, Patty douglas (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What position and planting advice for Kloof Kzn South Africa for Rhubarb seadlings
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Aug 17, Julie Campbell (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi ihave a rubbarb plant from a nursery year before last. I'm growing it in a pot semi shade. It doesn't seem to flourish. It usually has 3-5 stalks on it at one time it made it to 10-ia athought i was soon to have a rubbarb pie BUT it is down to one sad wilting stalk-help. What's wrong with it?
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are you giving it enough area to grow in - as in nutrients from the soil. You may need a far bigger pot. A regular fertilizing - like each couple of months might help. Any chance of putting it in the ground. Maybe plant a few more. Growing in pots requires a lot more care and attention than in the ground.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 281 - 290 of 635 comments
See comments for all plants

I had the same problem with my rhubarb. It never thrived. For 3 years, it was in a spot that received western sun and full shade in winter. The soil wad always dry, and I had to keep the water up. I moved it into a north east facing raised bed full of rich soil and mulched thickly. Did this about 6 weeks ago, and it has already doubled in size. The leaves are bigger, greener and lush. The stalks are also thick and crisp! We're coming into winter now, so your rhubarb might take a little longer to recover. Give it a good drink of seaweed at transplant. I also soak my mulch in seaweed solution before mulching. As for the holes in the leaves, that will probably be from a grub. Inspect your plant and its root ball before transplanting, so you don't bring the little muncher over too! Sometimes grubs hide in the ground. Good luck!

- Claudia

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.