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 Australia - temperate 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

29 Apr 19, Richard (Australia - temperate climate)
I have read that they are good companions. I am currently dividing my Asparagus and my Rhubarb and they will be in the same bed and planted at recommended spacings of 60 cm.
17 Mar 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
Have a think about it. Asparagus has a tall fern on it most of the year - do you want it shading the rhubarb?
01 Feb 19, Mick (Australia - temperate climate)
Not too sure about chooks eating rubbard leaves, ours's eat rubbard leaves, potato leaves and will strip a chilli bush !
26 Dec 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello, I've just bought another small rhubarb plant(the first one died). i live in Qld and the weather can get to about 38 degrees at this time of year. It gets really dry and hot and the heat easily kills plants. I successfully killed the first one and I don't want to do that again. I've read a lot of different things about growing rhubarb and I'm a bit confused, so I was just wondering what are the ideal conditions for planting rhubarb at this time of year, as well as right up until harvest time? thank you Ashleigh : )
29 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Ring Norco Rural Bundaberg ask someone there what causes it.
29 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the notes again - a cool weather crop - in warmer/hot weather grow in some shade. Plant it the right time also will help.
22 Nov 18, Mark Cowper (Australia - tropical climate)
I bought some rhubarb crowns from Bunnings I am not sure how old they were the plant is growing really well but I'm not sure if I should cut the stems off yet as they are green and I read the Crown needs a year to develop before you should cut the stems also the stems are still Green are they ok to eat your advice would be appreciated
22 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A couple of points. 1. Go back to Bunnings and ask what variety it is - green or red. 2. It is best not to pick until 20 weeks or more and preferably leave for a year so the crown grows to a good size. Picking early will reducing the size of the crown for the first few years - which means less to pick.
20 Nov 18, Christina (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I bought one rhubarb crown at the beginning of winter May 2018. I followed all directions and planted it in a raised garden bed in full sun. I had my first harvest at the end of October ...18 stalks about 45cm long. Obviously of the green variety as they did not go red. Absolutely delicious. I have now topped up the bed with mulch and cow manure and have 3leaves about 30cm long and 3new leaves poking through
22 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Christina Christina didn't you read the notes - BETTER NOT TO HARVEST UNTIL 12 MTHS OLD OR LONGER.
Showing 91 - 100 of 471 comments

There are tiny white-ish flies eating the leaves of my rhubarb. They seem to prefer the smaller leaves and have completely decimated several leaves to the point that the plants are really struggling. I have tried pyrethrum but it is not helping. Does anyone know what these flies are and how to get rid of them?

- 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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