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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09 Nov 10, Suz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I planted several rhubarb crowns a few months ago and they have grown rapidly. They are still mostly green although the base of the stems are red but they are very high. When should I harvest them?
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25 Jul 10, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted rhubarb in mid june, but the stems have all died off. Will it sprout again in autumn/summer?
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16 Jul 10, Leah (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Where can you buy rhubarb?
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24 Jul 10, les (Australia - temperate climate)
try the "diggers club" i brought one last year and is going great , just starting to flower
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15 Jun 10, Michele - Tassy (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
My Nan used to stew rhubarb and while warm add a packet of jelly crystals (Port Wine is good) and stir until crystals dissolve. She would then pour the mix into a jelly mould and let setin the fridge. Turn out of mould and serve with cream/ice-cream/custard. The sweetness of the jelly offsets the tartness of the rhubarb. Very yummy. As an adult I realised it was the easiest compote you can make.
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11 Aug 13, Lorraine Phillips (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
That sounds yummy, must try it..
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12 Apr 13, shirley (Australia - temperate climate)
our rhubarb develops yellow spots which get bigger then the stems become soft and useless. it is in full sun and this has been a pretty warm year.
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09 Mar 13, Kathy Knudsen (Australia - temperate climate)
All the leaves have died off the rhubarb just leaving a dark crown above the surface. Is this dormant or dead? They are in a pot. Will they reshoot this Autumn/ Winter or not .Thanks
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12 Nov 12, David (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It there a particular variety that is best for the Brisbane climate; and is it better to grow it in more shade in this area?
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17 Sep 11, Moira (Australia - temperate climate)
what does one do when flower stalks appear, cut them off or leave them?
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That sounds yummy, must try it..

- Lorraine Phillips

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