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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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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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?
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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
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Rhubarb prefers cooler weather and needs a cold dormancy period. It needs full sun, but will tolerate some shade. My advice is not to grow them in your area. It will be a waste of resources and time.

- Bee-Pie

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