Growing Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum : Polygonaceae / the dock family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      P                

(Best months for growing Rhubarb in USA - Zone 5a 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 41°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 35 inches 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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12 Jan 22, Liz O'Sullivan (USA - Zone 6b climate)
I just ordered rhubarb crowns and plan on planting in a raised bed. My concern is that the roots will be harmed in my 6b zone winter given they are in a raised bed. What do you recommend?
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04 May 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I suggest you read some articles about growing them. The bigger the pot the better 18-24
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28 Feb 21, PAUL Embury (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Can I successfully grow Rhubarb in Miami if I plant it in a pot to keep it out of the direct sun in the summer? What variety would grow best?
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01 Mar 21, Anon (USA - Zone 10b climate)
In 10b zone it says here it won't grow. It is probably too hot.
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16 May 20, Donna Johnson (USA - Zone 10b climate)
Will rhubarb grow in my zone if I plant in a container and if so which kind should I plant?
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05 May 20, Rossana Parker (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Can grow rhubarb in a big pot? And which area in the garden can I place it? Thank you.
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08 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It grows fine in a big pot and is happy in semi-shared areas.
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28 Apr 20, Kristen (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Is it too late to plant rhubarb from plants this year in my zone? The chart above says March. Or should I wait until next year? Thank you!
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18 Feb 20, Shari (USA - Zone 10a climate)
What about growing rhubarb in the San Jose CA area? I am in a warm, sunny, dry subtropical zone. The last rhubarb I planted was Victoria. It was pithy and green and bothered my stomach. I was going to try KangaRhu which supposedly is bred for warmer climes. I am a transplanted Midwesterner who misses my rhubarb. Has anyone had successful experience in my area? What type?
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30 Dec 20, Rebekah Sandell (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I used to live in both San Jose and Sunnyvale. Our Rhubarb plants were the envy of the neighborhood. We planted Strawberry Rhubarb we got from OSH garden (sorry) you might try the Santa Clara County Master Gardeners to find out which type is best for San Jose.
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Showing 41 - 50 of 60 comments
See comments for all plants

Rhubarb prefers cooler weather and needs a cold dormancy period. It needs full sun, but will tolerate some shade. My advice is not to grow them in your area. It will be a waste of resources and time.

- Bee-Pie

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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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