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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17 Nov 15, Annette Jackson (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Am growing rhubarb in Johannesburg in a sunny. Position is that why it has green stalks
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25 Aug 15, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I've just bought a plant from the nursery at Virgina Circle opp Checkers can't remember their name now.
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14 May 15, yano govender (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
want to buy a Rhubarb plant i live in durban kzn in the phoenix area..heard so much about this stuff wanna taste it
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13 Mar 15, paula (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
where can i buy Rhubarb plant in durban north if you plant stick o\f bought rhubard will it grow from shop bought rhubard
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09 Mar 15, craig linton (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
can rhubarb grow in a tunnel.?
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16 Nov 14, Helena Brand (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Please tell me how must one cook rhubarb. My mother in law cooked this many time, but I never asked to do this. Plain simple recipy.
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24 Nov 14, Helena Brand (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I steamed the rhubarb and it came out lovely with custard. Very chuffed with myself
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06 Nov 13, vallery scheepers (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
We are staying in the east rand.Where can i buy Rhubarb plants or seed ?
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03 Nov 13, Piero (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Is there a way to produce a sweeter crop of stalks by feeding specific compounds?
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14 Jan 13, Elsie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
This plant seems to be almost unavailable. Where in the world can one get hold of seedlings or seeds if possible? Thank you for your good work!
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Showing 51 - 60 of 63 comments
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My guess is that your soil has too much clay content in it for rhubarb. It does this in heavy soil. I tried to grow it in the ground here, I have very rich, dark soil but it borders on high clay content. My plant suffered until I removed it and potted it up in large terracotta pot with light potting mix. Now it's doing brilliantly. The terracotta keeps the roots cool and stops the crown from rotting. But it has to be watered daily potted up like that as it wilts very easily. I ended up growing my rhubarb and strawberries in pots because they just didn't like the heavy soil. They are producing wonderfully now and make a nice display together. An alternative could be to add a lot of organic material to your soil and plant it into a built up mound for free draining situation.

- Clara

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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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