Rhubarb

Polygonaceae

15-20+ year perennial. Plant crowns early spring or late fall. NO harvest year 1; light year 2 (3-4 stalks); full year 3+. Harvest 8-10 weeks (late April-June). STOP when stalks thin = crown exhaustion. TWIST AND PULL — never cut (spreads disease). Remove flower stalks immediately. Divide every 4-7 years. REQUIRES winter chill below 40°F — won't thrive zones 9+. LEAVES ARE TOXIC (oxalic acid). Choose location carefully — 15-20 year commitment.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

365–730 days

Sun

8+ hours

Container

Not Ideal

15+ gallon pot

Height

2–4 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Optimal Temp 65°F

Watering

Weekly Water 1 "

Needs Moderate

Soil

pH Range 5–6.8

Resilience

Heat: Low Cold: High Drought: Medium

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Moderate feeder

Recommended Recipes Worm castings topdress, Compost tea, Bone meal

Sources

university UMN Extension university Illinois Extension (UIUC) university K-State Research and Extension

More Vegetables

Rhubarb Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Rhubarb vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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