Please make sure JavaScript is enabled.
 
Rhubarb in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Rheum Rhabarbarum

 

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is easy to grow and very hardy - in fact it needs a cold period in order to produce a good crop. Plants need to be sited somewhere they can remain undisturbed for a long time, as they can remain productive for many years. For an early crop, rhubarb can be "forced" - ie. the crown covered by an upturned bucket, or similar, to shut out the light, which encourages the plant to grow tender shoots earlier than it would otherwise.

Contributed by @tiggrx

 
plant Features
  • Rhubarb likes full sun

    Full sun

  • Rhubarb likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

  • Rhubarb is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Rhubarb likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

 
plant information

Common name

Rhubarb

Latin name

Rheum Rhabarbarum

type

Vegetable

family

Polygonaceae

ph

6.0 - 6.8 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Rhubarb likes full sun

    Full sun

  • Frost

    Rhubarb is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Soil

    Rhubarb likes moist and free draining

    Moist and free draining

  • Water

    Rhubarb likes frequent watering

    Frequent watering

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant
  •  
    When to harvest

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Rhubarb is 2.00meters x 1.00meters 2.00 M 1.00 M

Rheum Rhabarbarum

Rhubarb is easy to grow and very hardy - in fact it needs a cold period in order to produce a good crop. Plants need to be sited somewhere they can remain undisturbed for a long time, as they can remain productive for many years. For an early crop, rhubarb can be "forced" - ie. the crown covered by an upturned bucket, or similar, to shut out the light, which encourages the plant to grow tender shoots earlier than it would otherwise.


Planting outdoors

From Early Spring TO Late Autumn

Grow rhubarb in moist, well drained soil in a sunny position if possible, although they will tolerate semi shade. Rhubarb plants grow in the same plot for a long time - 10 years or so, therefore it’s well worth preparing the soil before you plant them. Dig in plenty of well rotted manure to a depth of about 60cm. Rhubarb can be grown from seed but it's far better to plant rhubarb crowns or budded pieces. When planting set them so that the top of the crown sits at soil level or slightly below This will help to prevent crown rot. Rhubarb plants can get quite large so allow a spacing of 75cm (30") between plants. Don't pull any stalks off during the first season after planting, to give the plant time to establish. Always leave at least two stalks on the plant when harvesting.

 

Propagation by division.

From Mid Autumn TO Late Autumn

Rhubarb is propagated mainly by division. Expose a corner of a well established crown, remove and replant in new position after digging in lots of well rotted compost.

 
Subscribe to GardenTags Premium to get personalised planting tasks and more for your entire plant collection
 
Gardeners who are growing this plant
>