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

20 Sep 11, Jennifer Smith (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you leave them on and they go to seed, would you consider posting me some?
11 Mar 11, Di Brehaut (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am interested in using terracotta rhubarb forcers or cloches in cultivating my rhubarb. I have not been able to find an Australian manufacturer or importer, though there are several manufacturers in China. The UK ones look to be very expensive. Any onformation? Thank you Dianne, Blue Mountains
03 Jun 18, Christine (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes I too am after a rhubarb forcer. They are very expensive.
04 Jun 18, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You could try the old idea of using an upside down terracotta pot over the crown or try some of the ideas here www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-force-rhubarb/
11 Sep 10, Susan Lavenau (USA - Zone 10a climate)
How long can you cut Rhubarb in the Northern Nevada area? My brother in law says not to cut after August. Is that correct?
27 Mar 11, Bea (Australia - temperate climate)
I am from Germany, we use to harvest Rhubarb only in Spring (21.March-20. June)after that Rhubarb will develop to much oxalic acid.We also have the saying < you can harvest the Rhubarb only during Strawberry Time> because of that
Showing 631 - 636 of 636 comments

Hello. I am live in Japan,and wonder if I can grow Rhubarb in my town. Here, we have snow in winter and it is probablly no problem, but in summer, we have kind of hot weather and lots of rain.. For example, in July: precipitation is 229.9mm and average temperature is 24.2celcius(highest 29.2celcius) in August: precipitation is 154.9mm and average temperature is 25.1celcius.(highest 34.0celcius) Is it possible to grow the deep red varirties of rhubarb? If there are any suggestion of good varieties, please let me know. Here,in Japan,I don't get much info. about Rhubarbs. thank you.

- riyoco

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.