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

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18 Jun 23, Elaine Huneycutt (USA - Zone 7b climate)
What is the best Friday to grow in zone 7?
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01 May 23, Julia (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted rhubarb around 7 months ago, the leaves have grow huge and some are mottled and unhealthy. I know I am not supposed to harvest for the first year...so how do I treat the plant? Do I just leave it be, or do I need to trim it or remove leaves? Does the same stalk stay until harvest time? Please advise care of plant in first year of growing until harvesting time. Thank you so much! Warmest regards
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08 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If unhealthy pull them off. Look up a natural spray for leafy veggies.
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12 Apr 23, Judy James (Australia - temperate climate)
My rhubarb has got new growth at the moment in April but I would like to transplant it. When is the best month please? Thanks. Judy
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19 Apr 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
August Sept
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28 Mar 23, Vince (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Is there a strain of rhubarb that grows in zone 9a?
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12 Jul 23, Deborah (USA - Zone 9a climate)
https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/edible-gardens-for-austin/vegetable-gardening-in-austin/rhubarb-texas-style/
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24 Mar 23, kathy cadler (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Can I harvest rhubarb all summer in zone 3a safely? I read recently that late summer harvests are poisonous . I’ve heard and have been practicing harvesting 1/3 or less of the plant at a time. Then I wait 2 weeks before harvesting again all summer long. I have big healthy beautiful plants that are over 20 years old.
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23 Mar 23, (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I read that kangarhu rhubarb is good for zone 9B. They are heat tolerant I'm going to try one.
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23 Mar 23, (USA - Zone 5b climate)
When can I plant rhubarb plants outside in zone five I grew them from seed inside my house?
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Showing 21 - 30 of 629 comments
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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

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