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 New Zealand - 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

29 Aug 23, Becky (USA - Zone 3b climate)
(i live in southwest MN in the summer and winter in Arkansas. )It’s September and I just bought some rhubarb to plant in zone 3b-4. Can I plant now in September and leave them do I need to stay and water them continually or should I take them back down south with me and take care of them and plant in the spring back in zone 3b-4. Thank you for your help.
06 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 4a climate)
Check your climate zone time to plant and plant then.
10 Jul 23, Barbara (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Sorrento- WA , soil is very sandy .I built up with good potting mix & it's in a semi ,parts of the year spot.I have used good fertiliser but I can't seem to get it to grow wider than my little finger , I keep chopping it back as well ,thinking it will get thicker . It was cut from a friend's crop. Need your help .
13 Jul 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try adding manures and compost. Potting mix doesn't have a lot of nutrients in it.
14 Jul 23, Brett (Australia - temperate climate)
I agree !
18 Jun 23, Elaine Huneycutt (USA - Zone 7b climate)
What is the best Friday to grow in zone 7?
01 May 23, Julia (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted rhubarb around 7 months ago, the leaves have grow huge and some are mottled and unhealthy. I know I am not supposed to harvest for the first year...so how do I treat the plant? Do I just leave it be, or do I need to trim it or remove leaves? Does the same stalk stay until harvest time? Please advise care of plant in first year of growing until harvesting time. Thank you so much! Warmest regards
08 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If unhealthy pull them off. Look up a natural spray for leafy veggies.
12 Apr 23, Judy James (Australia - temperate climate)
My rhubarb has got new growth at the moment in April but I would like to transplant it. When is the best month please? Thanks. Judy
19 Apr 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
August Sept
Showing 21 - 30 of 635 comments

Read the notes here. A cool weather crop. In warmer climates it can be grown in some shade.

- Mike

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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. GardenGrow 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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