Basics

Ease of Growing
Easy
Grown as
Perennial
Growing Habit
-
Hardiness
Super Hardy

Rhubarb is very hardy while dormant (to -20˚ F) and actually needs cold weather for winter rest.

Crops
Spring
Growing Season
Short, Long
Cultivar Type
-
Growing Conditions
Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot

Rhubarb requires temperatures below 40˚ F to establish dormancy, and summer temperatures averaging less than 75˚ F for vigorous vegetative growth. The Northern U.S. and Canada are well suited for rhubarb production. In the United states it grows best in the northern states from Maine South to Illinois and West to Washington state. Once planted, rhubarb remains productive for 8 to 15 years.

Rhubarb can be grown in the Southern regions of the United States if it is grown as an annual. However, it will wilt very quickly on hot days (over 90˚ F). Excessive heat may cause Rhubarb to produce only thin leaf stalks which lack color.

Outdoor Growing Temp
55°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp
40°F

Germination will be slow until the soil warms up to 40˚F.

Start Indoors
Yes
Start Outdoors
Yes
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cold, Cool)

Full sun. When growing in cool climates Rhubarb needs a sunny site, where it won’t get too much frost (which could delay early harvests).

Water
Moderate

Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet. Don't let the soil become soggy, as crown rot may occur.

Feeder
Heavy

Rhubarb prefers a deep, rich, fertile soil because it's a fairly hungry plant.

Suitability
Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, Needs summer shade, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?
Yes
Containers?
Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel

Though not ideal, it is possible to grow rhubarb in containers if you use a large one and feed it regularly.

Attracts beneficial insects?
No
Color
Red
Fruit Size
-"
Plant Height
18.0-24.0"
Plant Diameter
36.0-48.0"
Hardiness Zone
1-9
Disease Resistance
Taste Profile

Rhubarb is undeniably tart and usually requires lots of sweetener to make it palatable. It tends to be a plant you either love or can't understand why anyone would eat it!