How to grow rhubarbs

Rheum rhabarbarum · other family · perennial

Rheum rhabarbarum — hero (chairman regenerate) — AI-generated reference image. Have a photo of this plant? Suggest one below.

Growing basics

Rhubarb is a perennial, usually started indoors and transplanted.

Seeds germinate once soil reaches about 40°F.

Grows best in full sun.

Frost-hardy: keeps going through freezes.

Space plants about 36 inches apart.

Sources

UMN Extension, Rhubarb in the Home Garden
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Rhubarb Production

3 rhubarbs in the library

Victoria · Crimson Red · MacDonald

Each has a full cited page in the library.

Pests and diseases we cover

Rhubarb curculio
Slug
Rhubarb leaf spot (Ascochyta and Ramularia)

Identification and treatment for each, with photos, in the library.

Row & Bed covers 3 rhubarb varieties, each with a cited care timeline and fertilization schedule, identification and treatment for the 2 pests and disease that reach them, and planting windows worked out for your ZIP.

Set up your garden

See something that does not match your garden? Write to andy@rowandbed.com.