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 5°C and 20°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 90 cm 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

17 Jan 16, Pat (USA - Zone 5a climate)
We have had good results using horse manure on rhubarb.
Showing 61 - 61 of 61 comments

Our plants were from an earlier patch that was at least 50 years old. We have had them for about 3 years and are harvesting them almost all year. They slow down a bit in winter but we still get feeds off them then. They now get tons of manure and pellets with mulch over the coldest part of the year and they are grown in a substantial raised bed with frequent watering (not sure the watering is required as frequently but we do it when the leaves wilt a bit). The raised garden is still settling so I am hoping the watering can slow down a bit as the soil compacts and retains more of the water.

- Chris Calvert

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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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