How to Grow Rhubarb

A cool-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Rhubarb is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Rhubarb is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the rhubarb page for exact timing.

Varieties

Victoria, Adaptable, grows from seed or crowns (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 90 cm (35 in) between plants.
Sowing: sow about 5 cm deep.
Water: roughly 6 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Snails and Crown borer. In humid regions, Crown rot and Leaf spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Rhubarb is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant rhubarb where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

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