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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27 Aug 18, Merri (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I am moving to St. Petersburg, FL next month. I will miss my rhubarb if I don't take some with me. Will it grow successfully in zone 10A?
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05 Jan 19, Petra (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I am on the east coast neR Jacksonville zone 9a and have tried numerous times to grow Rhubarb. Summers here are just to brutal (hot and humid) for it to grow. I would love for someone to say it is not so and to share how they successfully grow it here
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24 Mar 18, Soo-z (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Will rhubarb grow in Jacksonville, Florida -which is Zone 9A?
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28 Nov 17, Sandy (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I got a clump of rhubarb from my sister this summer. I have a brick planter in the front yard that had some room, so I planted it there, beside an artichoke plant. Gave it a good dose of vitamin B1, kept it well watered and it has been doing very well, looking very healthy, and, all of a sudden, it turned yellow. It started turning yellow in October. Could it be, it needs more water (I haven't been watering it much, now that it is looking so good)? Could it be the frost (we have had a few frosty mornings. Just in case it's the frost, I've been covering it at night. Thank you for any insight that can be offered.
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26 Feb 21, Carol Nevius Jones (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Rhubarb goes dormant in winter and regrow in Spring. Yellowing after a frost is normal.
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28 Nov 22, Lindsay (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Carol, have you grown it in 9b? Everything I’m finding says it’s not going to work.
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07 Dec 22, Paula (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Lindsay, my parents grew it in either 9b or 10a under the shade of a citrus tree. It never got as spectacular as those grown in cooler climates but they did get some fresh stalks for about 5 years.
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21 Apr 17, Brian hargiss (USA - Zone 7a climate)
How well can I grow rhubarb in North West Arkansas ? Thank You
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25 Apr 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
You should be able to grow rhubarb in NW Arkansas. Plants are normally available in the winter from nurseries. Burpee's also list them. If your winter is severe put a good layer of straw over them to help insulate them.
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17 Jan 16, Pat (USA - Zone 5a climate)
We have had good results using horse manure on rhubarb.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 60 comments
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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.

- Rebekah Sandell

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