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

18 Aug 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mike, I sowed rhubarb from seed and have planted a hand-full out. Maybe only 3-5 to see how they go. They are not much higher than the ground surface itself. When they're fully grown and picked (in a year's time :( ) does one keep the root (which I presume is called the rhizone) and replant it the following or every other year or toss it? Thankx.
30 Jun 18, Peter (Perth) (Australia - temperate climate)
Was out buying some gourmet seed potato and found some seedling "Crimson" rhubarb about 100mm high. Am still prepping garden beds for permanent planting, so I wish to grow it on in my little poly "warm house" to help it through Winter. Q: would a 6" or 8" pot be the best as the next stage for optimum growth?
02 Jul 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
Seeing that it is winter I would assume it won't grow much so maybe the 6
20 Apr 18, susan tauber (Australia - temperate climate)
I have dug my mature rhubarb up to move. What do i do with the huge roots. does it matter if some of the root is knocked off. thanks for your help
23 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From Iowa state Uni -- US Rhubarb can be transplanted in early spring or early fall (mid-September through early October). Rhubarb does best in fertile, well-drained soils and full sun. The best time to transplant rhubarb is in early spring before growth begins. Carefully dig up the plant with a spade. Large plants may be divided into several sections. Each section should have 2 or 3 buds and a portion of the root system. Transplant each section into the garden with the buds 1 1/2 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Space plants 3 feet apart. Rhubarb also can be successfully transplanted in early fall. Fall planted rhubarb should be mulched with several inches of straw. The mulch provides additional time for the rhubarb plants to get reestablished before the ground freezes.
03 Apr 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
My 2 y/o rhubarb was growing well, then developed a coppery sheen on the leaves which go brown and papery, the stalks get soft, sag and go yellow. It is in raised area, watered regularly under the leaves, well manured and shaded from excessive summer heat. Any advice would be appreciated. Cathi.Dickinson
04 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Put the symptoms into google and read up.
10 Mar 18, John Ryan (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a small rhubarb patch, 5-6 plants, in soil about 20cm deep, then clay. Plants have remained small (Northern Wollongong) and I wish to revitalise by digging plot deeper, and manuring appropriately. Can you advise which manures best to use? Advice appreciated. John Ryan.
11 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Manures are much the same, just some have a bit more N in them - they range about 2-3% to 6-7% I think. Look up the internet. Just buy a bag from a nursery and mix it in well.
10 Feb 18, Mary Ann (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a rhubarb plant in a polystyrene box. It is growing well, and the stems are thick, but haven't coloured. Should I move it into shade?
Showing 121 - 130 of 472 comments

I have brought 3 & they have all died??

- jan

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