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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07 Sep 21, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try seed selling companies on the net.
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17 Jul 21, David L. (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I live in Howick KZN. I grow rhubarb in deep pots on the north side of our house (probably too hot) in a compost/soil mix regularly watered. Our area has heavy clay about 200mm below the surface, hence the reason for the pots. Our rhubarb grows many thin stalks (5/8mm dia.) quite slowly and many die before getting above 5mm dia.. The picked stalks are tasty if one has sufficient of them. The plants are about three years old and grown from a split off from a crown. Does rhubarb favour any particular soil PH? More or less water? Any particular soil mix? Require any special feeding? What is ideal soil depth? Your guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.
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21 Jul 21, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try building your garden bed higher or use something to break up the clay - like gypsum or dolomite (I think). ph 5.5 - 6.5. Good soil depth of 12
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22 Jun 21, Wendy (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I would like to purchase rhubarb plants to grow. Not seeds as they take too long. Can you let me know where I can get them from? Thank you
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22 Jun 21, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Any good plant shop should be able to supply rhubarb roots/plants
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04 Apr 21, Ulla (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What's eating big holes into my rhubarb leaves, and can I safely use insecticides and still eat the stalks? Ulla
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06 Apr 21, (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Look for some grubs or caterpillars and research some sprays on the internet. Read the label of the insecticide. Pick the caterpillars off and kill them.
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24 Nov 20, Charmaine (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is rhubarb ready to eat when the stalks are still green? Our plant is a few months old.
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25 Nov 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
There green varieties and red ones, you probably have the green.
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01 Oct 20, martin (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy rhubarb plants?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 62 comments
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My Month by Month Florida Gardening book says you can grow rhubarb year-round in north Florida and August to October in central and south Florida. I’m guessing shade cloth would be in order for the latter two the rest of the year. I never cared much for it growing up in Iowa but I think I’ll give it a try at my little hobby farm near Arcadia, Fl just for the challenge of it.

- Amathonn

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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.
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