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 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)

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.

- Sandy

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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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