Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
              P P      

(Best months for growing Rhubarb in South Africa - Semi-arid 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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01 Oct 20, martin (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I buy rhubarb plants?
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05 Oct 20, Nick Baxendale (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Martin There is a company in the Cape called seeds for Africa, they sell the seeds. Cheers Nick
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02 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Google where to buy rhubarb in S A.
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25 Sep 20, Nkreen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Best planting option soil sun and watering please. Desperate to get a plant growing healthy for rhubarb crumble
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27 Sep 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Start with good rich soil, 6-8 hrs sunlight a day, and water 3 times a week. Read the notes here first.
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18 Aug 20, Anne (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
How should the rhubarb be kept over winter if kept in a pot? I believe they need the cold period. My young plant looked half dead until I put it in our warm light grow room for now, but I believe that wouldn't be a year round solution, is that right?
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20 Aug 20, Anon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check online how to plant grow and harvest it.
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11 Jan 20, Kevin Crosbie (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi we live in Port Elizabeth and recently started growing a rhubarb plant in a pot. It has being doing fine although some critter has been eating on the leave. I came home yesterday and it looked like it had started wilting so I gave it some water,thus morning it looks like it is dying there are some new leaves at the bottom should I be cutting back the old growth?
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13 Jan 20, (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I don't grow rhubarb but if the leaves are dead then cut them back.
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22 Dec 19, Hannes (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What time of the year is best to plant Rhubarb seeds in Gauteng?
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Showing 21 - 30 of 63 comments
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I love my rhubarb, Having come form New Zealand in the South we always enjoyed Rhubarb. I bought four plants last year as there were no crowns available.. I give them a lot of food and make sure they are watered correctly, not to heavily but don't let them dry out. I have been cutting the stalks, they have had, big leaves on them and it seems as they are maturing the stalks are getting bigger. Nothing better then Rhubarb sponge and Cream, Rhubarb Crumble and rhubarb tart with meringue on top. I will continue to keep them in the coolest area in the garden around the shady side of the shed and under the bamboo and bigger plants in the garden. I am in a unit in Maroochydore so limited with space. But so far it is going well. Enjoying ever dish. Try it. The trick is keep them well feed and mulched but back from the crowns a little so it doesn't rot. Best of luck.

- Valerie

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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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