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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08 Jun 12, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can roots be purchased around Brisbane
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09 Apr 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
Why are my rhubarb stalks not getting fat, I have tried cooking them (thin) but they are tough and don't cook no matter how long i stew them
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20 Mar 12, Fred Merbein (Australia - tropical climate)
I live near Mildura Victoria can I grow rhubarb in this hot climate with ease
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11 Mar 12, Johno (Australia - temperate climate)
My plants are the green stem variety also but i prefer the red stem better i find they have nicer taste when stewed is there something i can do to promote more redness in the storks ?
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12 Jan 12, Max (Australia - temperate climate)
The stems on my plant have not turned red. They are more green with a slight red blush. Are they still okay to eat? Your assistance would be appreciated.
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17 Feb 12, Daniel (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
According to Peter Cundall, there are green-stemmed and red-stemmed varieties of rhubarb.
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19 Jan 12, rob (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Max the green stalks are better less bitter and needs less sugar when cooking Rob
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06 Jan 12, GRAEME (Australia - temperate climate)
I HAVE GROWN LOTS OF RHUBARB PLANTS FROM MANY SUPPLYERS ALL SAID TO BE RED STORKED BUT NONE HAVE BEEN ARE WE BEING CONED ????
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11 Aug 13, Lorraine Phillips (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have tried to grow rhubarb here in the tropics without success but when I bought the first plant it was supposed to be the red one (looks better when cooked) but turned out green, it died! Recently I bought a red one from Bunnings in Cairns to try again and this one is a red one but doing very poorly. I can't understand why nurseries sell plants if they don't do well in a region that they won't grow in.. Oh and to buy stalks from Coles I paid $6 for 6 stems!!
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25 Dec 11, wayne riley (Australia - tropical climate)
my rhubard is growing well but now it is getting eaten by something on the leaves and the leaf has gone brown. what can I do ? please help me.
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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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