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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
26 Mar 21, Ulla (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What can be eating my rhubarb leaves? I can't see anything, but the chunks eaten look like it could be a large worm. Can I spray pesticide safely on to the leaves, ie, will the stalks still be safe to eat"? Thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Oct 12, Barbara Diveney (Australia - temperate climate)
My rhubarb plant flowered, is this normal. It is only in its second growing year. What is attacking my Rhubarb plant, the leaves full of holes and just when the plant was growing well, it just wilted. What kind of pest/s is the rhubarb plant subject to and how do I treat it.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Sep 12, Belinda Cincotta (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can i buy a rhubarb forcing pot in the sydney area?
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Aug 12, joan (Australia - tropical climate)
Do I have tocover the crowns of my rhubarb plant ? if so soil or straw
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Aug 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
had never seen rhubarb in flower and wasnt sure if i should let it go or not thanks for your informative page
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Jul 12, Peter (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, looking for cause of Rhubarb leaves turning brown. Live on south coast NSW. Regards, Peter
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jul 12, mary (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How long will it take my small rhubarb seedlings to grow big enough to be able to use the stalks.
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Jul 12, adam (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Maree. The only thing I can think of is that the rhubarb has had too much water. It does like to be watered, but must be free draining. If it gets a bucketing down rainstorm, over a few days, like Melbourne had recently, it can just rot in the ground.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Jul 12, maree (Australia - temperate climate)
The leaves on my rubbarb turn brown and the stem is soft. Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jun 12, Peter (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where can roots be purchased around Brisbane
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 431 - 440 of 472 comments
See comments for all plants

Where did you find rhubarb seeds/crowns? What variety are you growing? I’ve been looking and the websites I’ve been able to find different varieties they have sold out. I really want and can’t find is the German Wine variety. Any recommendations?

- Dorth Her

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.