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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07 Nov 14, Ros (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi. I have a number of plants, from very young to quite established, and harvest stalks from the outside of the growing area any time they are big enough. Just pull away from the centre, leaving the central part where new leaves/stalks will form. If the plant is young, the stalks will be thin and won't get thicker if you leave them on the plant, where they will just soften and wilt. Hope this helps. Happy harvesting!
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12 Oct 14, Geoffrey Wigg (Australia - temperate climate)
How do I keep my rhubarb stalks red?
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11 Oct 14, nina (Australia - temperate climate)
it is October and I already have long, thick stems on my plants. Are they ok to eat green? Also, it looks like it is starting to flower. What does this mean? Thank you
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04 Oct 14, Ray (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, I have two rhubarb plants which produce. both in 40 cm pots, well watered and fertilised.
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20 Sep 14, Senta (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I find my plant is a black stump in the long frosty season, but now September it is happy. My question please is- do I need to wire it over in the bush to protect it from the roos or other critters?
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20 Sep 14, Peter Dell (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you grow rhubarb in pots successfully
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10 Sep 14, rubie (Australia - temperate climate)
just dig in some compost and aged manure then plant the crown. It works well in this climate
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04 Sep 14, Susan Cooke (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am in Canberra. As a child I ate stewed rhubarb, rhubarb and apple pie, fruit compote with rhubarb. I would like to grow it. How do I get started? Susan
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26 Aug 14, mary luscombe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is needed to strengthen rhubarb shoots which have all gone spindly and weak
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30 Jul 14, Graham (Australia - temperate climate)
Can rhubarb be grown in shade?
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Showing 351 - 360 of 472 comments
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My rhubarb has mostly green stalks. I have had it about 3 yrs and it is probably older. Why? Is it a different variety?

- Karen

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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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