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

21 Apr 15, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Over the weekend 18-20th April, I transplanted my rhubarb plant from the pot to a garden bed. Had a look this morning after wild woolley weather, it is pushing out new leaves, so I guess around this time would be a good time. Broke off most of the leaves and only left 3 and also broke a couple of main roots accidentally so to compensate for this, I gave it plenty of sheep, cow and Dynamic Lifter, plus a sprinkling of rock minerals.
29 Mar 15, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, my plants are ready to split, what fertiliser should I use? I live in Western Australia on Coast near fremantle
18 Mar 15, Bob Dempster (Australia - temperate climate)
My rhubarb stems do not seem to be turning the red that it usually is, could you help please
25 Mar 15, Annie (Australia - temperate climate)
what variety do you have? Some are more green in colour.
14 Mar 15, Cynthia (Australia - temperate climate)
While harvesting my rhubarb I accidently broke the crown off of the plant. Is that the end of my lovely plant?
13 Mar 15, paula (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
where can i buy Rhubarb plant in durban north if you plant stick o\f bought rhubard will it grow from shop bought rhubard
11 Mar 15, Helen Dunn (Australia - temperate climate)
I am having same problem as Gerald, healthy 18 monthold plant now with leaves turning yellow /brown & stem rotting. Some ants on plant but no sign of bugs. 50% white shadecloth on wire fence to protect from wind & strong sun. Does anyone know remedy as I lost a beautiful plant this way some years ago?
09 Mar 15, craig linton (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can rhubarb grow in a tunnel.?
01 Mar 15, Ian Hitchman (Australia - temperate climate)
I had a very healthy rhubarb plant growing extremely well for 18 months. Have been picking beautiful stalks for the past 4months. All of a sudden during a patch of hot weather (33 to 36 deg c) the plant has died. Was the weather just too hot or have I done something wrong. I thought I was giving it plenty of TLC.
08 Feb 15, Marion Mc Neill (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello , how do you know when to pick rhubarb to eat thank you
Showing 471 - 480 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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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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