Growing Rhubarb: How to Plant, Care, and Harvest at Home

Growing Rhubarb
Growing rhubarb demands sun, fertile soil and savvy timing. Plant crowns in early spring about 3 feet apart, make sure soil drains well and feed generously with compost or aged manure. With minimal fuss, you'll harvest tart, ruby-red stalks perfect for pies, compotes and cocktails—read on to master the delicious art of growing rhubarb.
Cheatsheet: Rhubarb—Planting, Tending & Harvesting Guide
🌱 Planting Rhubarb
- Plant crowns in early spring, soil above 40°F / 4°C
- Choose full sun (6+ hrs); tolerates partial shade
- Space 36 in / 90 cm apart
- Use rich, well-draining soil, pH 6.0–6.8
- Mix in 2–4 in / 5–10 cm compost
- Set crown buds 2 in / 5 cm below soil
- 1 mature plant yields 2–4 lbs (900–1800g) stalks/year
🛠️ Tools and Products You'll Need
- Shovel or spade
- Compost or slow-release fertilizer
- Mulch (straw or bark)
- Sharp knife for harvest
- Rhubarb crowns or divisions
- Watering can or drip system
💧 Care & Feeding
- Water deeply; keep moist but not soggy
- Mulch to suppress weeds & conserve water
- Side-dress with compost each spring
- Remove flower stalks—max stalk production
- Divide crowns every 4–5 years for vigor
✂️ Harvesting Rhubarb
- First year: do not harvest, allow plant to build strength
- Second year: take only a few stalks
- Mature plants (year 3): pick April-June
- Pull stalks with a twist, or cut at base
- Leave at least two stalks per plant
- Never eat leaves—toxic oxalate
🥗 Nutrition & Self-Sufficiency
High in vitamin K, C, fiber, and antioxidants. One cup: 26 kcal, zero fat. Perennial—feeds families for 10+ years.
🚩 Troubleshooting
- Slugs/snails: handpick or use organic pellets
- Crown rot: fix drainage, avoid overwatering
- Red stems=ready; green=needs more sun/time
Choosing the Right Variety for Your Garden
I first discovered the joy of growing rhubarb from an old neighbor named Frank, who swore by strawberry-rhubarb pies and had rhubarb patches older than I was at the time. Picking the right variety makes a huge difference.
Most garden centers offer two main types: Victoria, with its classic greenish-red stalks, and Canada Red, famous for deep-red stems with a sweeter tang. If you're just starting out, either of these trusty cultivars will do beautifully.
Planting Rhubarb: Finding That Perfect Spot
Rhubarb demands sun like I demand coffee—generously and without compromise. Choose an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Drainage matters too; soggy soil spells doom quicker than a frost in July (which I have unexpectedly dealt with—thank you, New England weather). For perfect conditions, mix rich compost or well-rotted manure into loose, fertile soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 6.8).
Timing Your Planting Right
Early spring, just as the ground thaws, remains the optimal planting season. Here in Vermont, I aim for mid-March to early April; if you're in warmer regions, late winter is suitable too.
How Deep and Far Apart to Plant Rhubarb
- Plant crowns (that's gardening lingo for the dormant root divisions) around 3 inches (7.6 cm) beneath soil level.
- Space each crown approximately 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart—rhubarb's sprawling habit appreciates breathing room.
Caring for Your Rhubarb Plants
Rhubarb care isn't rocket science—it's straightforward, but diligence is essential.
Watering Needs
Water consistently—about an inch (2.5 cm) per week—to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Drip irrigation systems work wonders here, minimizing leaf moisture and reducing fungal risks.
Fertilizing Tips
A dose of nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer each spring does the trick. I prefer aged manure or compost tea, applied generously around—but never directly atop—the crowns.
Managing Flower Stalks
Occasionally, rhubarb gets ambitious and sends up bold flower stalks—lovely but fatalistic. Pinch them mercilessly as soon as they appear to redirect energy back into those luscious stalks you actually intend to harvest.
Harvesting Rhubarb for Maximum Flavor and Growth
Patience rewards the rhubarb gardener richly: resist harvesting during the first planting year to let roots establish adequately. From your second year onward, you're ready to feast.
When and How to Harvest
Gather stalks in late spring or early summer; typically, that's from May to July in my neck of the woods. To harvest, hold the stem close to its base and twist gently—don't cut—to maintain plant health.
"Never harvest more than one-third of your plant's stalks at one time. Overharvesting weakens the plant and reduces future yields."
Important Safety Reminder
Remember: only stalks are edible. Rhubarb leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid, delivering toxicity that no gardener would wish upon themselves or anyone else.
Overwintering Rhubarb Plants Successfully
Every autumn, I mulch my rhubarb beds heavily with a 2–4 inch (5–10 cm) layer of straw or shredded leaves. This blanket insulates crowns from harsh winter temperatures, prolonging plant vigor year after year.
In extremely cold areas, rhubarb withstands surprising cold snaps (down to -20°F or -29°C), but mulching offers valuable insurance against unpredictable freezes.
Common Rhubarb Pests and Diseases (and How to Handle Them)
Rhubarb typically resists major pest invasions, yet some challenges can arise:
- Slugs and Snails: Set beer traps or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants.
- Crown Rot: Prevented through proper drainage and thoughtful watering.
- Leaf Spot Diseases: Remove affected leaves promptly, dispose off-site, and avoid overhead watering.
I've found proactive care makes pests and diseases rare inconveniences rather than regular nightmares.
Fun Rhubarb Facts to Impress Fellow Gardeners
Did you know?
- Despite rhubarb's frequent dessert partnering with strawberries, botanically it's closer kin to sorrel and buckwheat.
- In the UK, rhubarb cultivation occurs famously by a unique practice known as "forcing," which grows vivid pink stalks in dark sheds—it even boasts "Protected Designation of Origin" status in West Yorkshire’s "Rhubarb Triangle."
"The UK’s Rhubarb Triangle was once responsible for producing 90% of the world's winter forced rhubarb." — Royal Horticultural Society
The joy of growing rhubarb at home goes beyond pies; it enriches gardens and feeds gardener's souls alike. If you've never grown rhubarb, give it a try—your garden and kitchen desserts will thank you dearly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Rhubarb
What soil conditions encourage rhubarb to thrive?
Rhubarb plants prefer fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Incorporate compost or aged manure to boost soil nutrients and aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
How much sunlight does rhubarb require to grow?
Rhubarb flourishes best in full sun conditions, ideally receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
What's the ideal time to plant rhubarb?
The optimal planting period for rhubarb is early spring or late autumn, when temperatures remain cool and moderate—around 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 16°C). This timing allows the plants to establish sturdy roots before extreme weather arrives.
How much space should I allow between rhubarb plants?
Provide ample space by positioning rhubarb crowns approximately 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) apart. This spacing ensures adequate airflow, reduces disease risk, and promotes healthy foliage and stalk development.
How often and how much should rhubarb be watered?
Water rhubarb regularly, delivering approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of water weekly, particularly during dry spells. Consistent moisture supports steady growth without causing root rot or fungal diseases.
When is the best time to harvest rhubarb stalks?
Harvest rhubarb stalks from the plant’s second growing season onward, typically from late spring through early summer. Select robust stalks at least 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) in length, pulling gently while twisting to detach cleanly from the crown.
Are rhubarb leaves safe to compost?
Yes, rhubarb leaves can safely contribute to the compost pile. Although toxic for human or animal consumption due to high levels of oxalic acid, decomposition breaks down this compound, posing no issues for your garden compost.
What steps ensure healthy rhubarb throughout the growing season?
Maintain strong and productive plants by regularly removing flower stalks as they appear, applying mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds, and replenishing soil fertility annually with compost or organic fertilizers.
Growing Rhubarb is a lesson in patience and reward. Give it rich soil, ample space, and a bit of restraint—skip the harvest the first year, and it’ll pay you back for seasons to come. Water deeply, mulch generously, and keep an eye out for weeds. Snip the stalks clean and leave the leaves behind. With a little respect for the plant’s rhythms, you’ll have tart, ruby stalks ready for pie, compote, or something a little more adventurous. If you’re hooked on perennial crops, you might also enjoy growing asparagus. Good soil, patience, and a sharp knife—the rest is just letting nature do its thing.
The Homesteader's Take on Growing Rhubarb: Essential Sustainability Practices
Maximize Self-Sufficiency with Rhubarb
- Perennial benefits: Rhubarb provides reliable harvests for 8–10 years from a single planting, reducing annual labor and seed costs.
- Space efficiency: Plant rhubarb crowns along garden edges or beside perennial herbs to optimize small homestead plots.
- Natural fertilization: Nourish with homemade compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility sustainably every spring.
Boost Nutrition and Health Naturally
- Vitamin-rich harvest: Rhubarb stalks contain calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, supporting bone health and digestion.
- Medicinal application: Historically, rhubarb roots served as medicinal laxatives—today, consume cooked stalks moderately to aid regular digestion.
- Preservation practices: Dehydrate rhubarb slices or freeze chopped stalks for year-round nutritious meal additions without preservatives.
Repurpose Rhubarb Leaves Effectively
- Pest-deterring spray: Boil rhubarb leaves in water (1kg leaves per 3 liters water or 2 lb per 0.8 gal), strain, and apply cooled mixture as natural insecticide against aphids and spider mites.
- Composting safely: Compost rhubarb leaves safely; oxalic acid naturally breaks down during decomposition, avoiding waste and enriching compost nutrient diversity.
Economic Advantage and Income Potential
- Farmers' market favorite: Rhubarb typically sells at $4–$6 (€3.50–€5.50) per pound; bundle fresh or frozen stalks to supplement homestead income.
- Value-added products: Expand profit margins producing homemade rhubarb jams, sauces, or pies which command higher market prices.
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