Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in Australia - tropical regions

  • 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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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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09 Jun 24, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Did you actually try to grow KangaRhu? I love rhubarb but don’t want to waste my $$ if you had any advice. I’m in 9a. Thanks in any help.
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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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15 Mar 23, Peter McDougal (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
Why does my Rhubarb taste earthy
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05 Mar 23, Steve Gollis (USA - Zone 12b climate)
Any varieties that will grow in Zone 12? I wouldn't mind trying one of the Zone 8 varieties, but I think I would have to harvest it the first year because it looks like it won't be happy without some cold. Any advice will be helpful, I miss my rhubarb dishes and it's like pulling teeth to get the stores to stock it! Thanks!
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06 Mar 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 12b climate)
They don't recommend planting it in your climate zone.
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19 Feb 23, Rebecca (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Advice on planting Victoria rhubarb in pots.
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20 Feb 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Read the notes here or google how to grow it.
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19 Feb 23, Tony (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
What is the best way to havest rhubarb
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Showing 31 - 40 of 633 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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