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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
12 Oct 14, Geoffrey Wigg (Australia - temperate climate)
How do I keep my rhubarb stalks red?
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Oct 14, Ray (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, I have two rhubarb plants which produce. both in 40 cm pots, well watered and fertilised.
Reply or Post a new comment
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?
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Sep 14, Peter Dell (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you grow rhubarb in pots successfully
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
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
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Aug 14, mary luscombe (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
What is needed to strengthen rhubarb shoots which have all gone spindly and weak
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Jul 14, Graham (Australia - temperate climate)
Can rhubarb be grown in shade?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Aug 14, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
They like morning sun, but will grow ok in light shade. The best place is with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 501 - 510 of 639 comments
See comments for all plants

I love my rhubarb, Having come form New Zealand in the South we always enjoyed Rhubarb. I bought four plants last year as there were no crowns available.. I give them a lot of food and make sure they are watered correctly, not to heavily but don't let them dry out. I have been cutting the stalks, they have had, big leaves on them and it seems as they are maturing the stalks are getting bigger. Nothing better then Rhubarb sponge and Cream, Rhubarb Crumble and rhubarb tart with meringue on top. I will continue to keep them in the coolest area in the garden around the shady side of the shed and under the bamboo and bigger plants in the garden. I am in a unit in Maroochydore so limited with space. But so far it is going well. Enjoying ever dish. Try it. The trick is keep them well feed and mulched but back from the crowns a little so it doesn't rot. Best of luck.

- Valerie

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.