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 - cool/mountain 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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09 Apr 15, John O'Grady (Australia - temperate climate)
I wish to replant my rhubarb in a garden bed where the soil will be much better. My question what time of the year can i replant them?
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21 Apr 15, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Over the weekend 18-20th April, I transplanted my rhubarb plant from the pot to a garden bed. Had a look this morning after wild woolley weather, it is pushing out new leaves, so I guess around this time would be a good time. Broke off most of the leaves and only left 3 and also broke a couple of main roots accidentally so to compensate for this, I gave it plenty of sheep, cow and Dynamic Lifter, plus a sprinkling of rock minerals.
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29 Mar 15, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, my plants are ready to split, what fertiliser should I use? I live in Western Australia on Coast near fremantle
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18 Mar 15, Bob Dempster (Australia - temperate climate)
My rhubarb stems do not seem to be turning the red that it usually is, could you help please
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25 Mar 15, Annie (Australia - temperate climate)
what variety do you have? Some are more green in colour.
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14 Mar 15, Cynthia (Australia - temperate climate)
While harvesting my rhubarb I accidently broke the crown off of the plant. Is that the end of my lovely plant?
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11 Mar 15, Helen Dunn (Australia - temperate climate)
I am having same problem as Gerald, healthy 18 monthold plant now with leaves turning yellow /brown & stem rotting. Some ants on plant but no sign of bugs. 50% white shadecloth on wire fence to protect from wind & strong sun. Does anyone know remedy as I lost a beautiful plant this way some years ago?
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01 Mar 15, Ian Hitchman (Australia - temperate climate)
I had a very healthy rhubarb plant growing extremely well for 18 months. Have been picking beautiful stalks for the past 4months. All of a sudden during a patch of hot weather (33 to 36 deg c) the plant has died. Was the weather just too hot or have I done something wrong. I thought I was giving it plenty of TLC.
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08 Feb 15, Marion Mc Neill (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello , how do you know when to pick rhubarb to eat thank you
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15 Feb 15, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
When the stalks of the plant is big enough, pull it and remove the leaves.
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Showing 331 - 340 of 474 comments
See comments for all plants

It's okay to plant rhubarb now. Rhubarb often dies back in the winter in cooler areas. It doesn't like a hot position so plant it so that it gets shelter from the afternoon heat if necessary. Rhubarb is a 'gross' feeder which means it likes lots of manure and water to give the best results. A couple of handfuls of Blood & Bone, a shovel full of old manure or a handful of pelletised manure placed in the bottom of the planting hole and covered with a layer of soil before planting will give good results. Most rhubarb that is sold is grown from seed and the resulting stem colour can range from all green to a good red. The flavour will still be the same. To redden it up when cooking add a few drops of cochineal (a natural red colouring) while it is cooking. To avoid adding sugar try using Stevia which is available at many shops. Stevia is a non calorie extract from the Stevia plant and is much better for you. All the best.

- John

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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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