Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

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

(Best months for growing Rhubarb in Australia - temperate 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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22 Mar 11, Lesley (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I am concerned that my rhubarb is very prolific (leaves and stalks) however it has not turned red - it remains green. The name on it is "rhubarb - tasmanian grown". Looking forward to hearing from someone. Thx....Lesley
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28 Mar 15, alan leach (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Rhubarb will grow all the year round? ex farmworker from the early 50s in UK. Would like someone to put me in touch with Jerrod Nichols or Rod Harker of Tasmania, Rhubarb growers.
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24 Mar 11, Stewart (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Lesley, It is probably a green rhubarb, I have one and it is lovely to eat but doesn't turn red. If you prefer red rhubarb you need to purchase a red rhubarb comb. Cheers, Stewart.
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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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Showing 621 - 630 of 639 comments
See comments for all plants

It is really better to grow rhubarb in the ground as you don't want the roots to 'cook'. If the tub is large and not exposed to direct heat it should grow OK. When potting up any vegetable in tubs it is a good idea to line the bottom of the tub with nespaper, old jeans or other cotton clothing. Baby nappies with the elastic, etc trimmed off are also ideal as the crystals will hold a lot of water as a reservoir for your plants. Rhubarb likes a lot of manure so a generous amount of pelletised organic fertiliser, cow manure or blood and bone is beneficial. Mulch the plants with lawn clippings or something similar as this will help retain moisture. trust this helps.

- John

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