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

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18 Nov 15, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Annette, there are various rhubarb varieties, some have green, some red stalks, the red ones tend not to be so sour! happy gardening
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16 Nov 15, Cas Allan (Australia - temperate climate)
Gordon Staples, I asked the same question about some of my rhubarb not turning red. Tonight I cooked some of the green stems and they taste the same as the red ones. Yes, you can eat the green ones.
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07 Nov 15, Michelle carbine (Australia - temperate climate)
When you buy a rhubarb crown does the entire thing have to be under the soil and how long after planting before signs of growth should be noticed?
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01 Nov 15, Geoff Gabbott (Australia - temperate climate)
Q- Bug Problem I have found bugs having a feast on my plants Have an oval body , legs, antenna- etc size- approx 10/20 mm long - colour mainly black with yellow patches on back - one was 20mm + - can climb metal fences- even after hose down of metal fence they climb again . some have various colours - say "dull grey" but most have distinctive yellow backs Can you identify ? - also pest control advice will be appreciated - I live in Canberra Thanks Geoff
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18 Nov 15, Ruth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Geoff, I had that problem last year, might be Rutherglen bugs? https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/mycrop/diagnosing-rutherglen-bug hope this helps, happy gardening
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14 Oct 15, John Madden (Australia - temperate climate)
What do you do when plants produce a seed head?
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10 Sep 15, Terry Fitzgerald (Australia - temperate climate)
Will rubarb grow at coffs harbour and how well
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30 Sep 15, jan furniss (Australia - temperate climate)
rubarb should grow in coffs harbour,they like semy shade
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19 Sep 15, Joanna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It grows very well in Bellingen area - someone gave me a few old crowns and I have never looked back
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06 Sep 15, gordon staples (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
rhubarb plant is approx 3months old , huge stems half a metre high large leaves but still green,how long before it colors?
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Showing 301 - 310 of 472 comments
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They won't. It sounds like you have a green-stalk variety of rhubarb. If the stalks aren't even partially red when they first sprout then it's not a red variety. I've got three different red rhubarb varieties and even the dullest colour one had stalks come up with a pinky tinge to it. Do you know what the variety you have is called? Also, whether it was grown from crown or seed? For example I've heard that the Victoria variety can be either red or green, and if it's grown from seed then it's far more likely to end up being green.

- Tempest

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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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