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Rhubarb Planting Time

Rhubarb stalks

Plant rhubarb in late winter or early spring. Rhubarb is a perennial so choose a spot where it can grow and thrive for up to 10 years.

Three or four root crowns will produce all of the rhubarb you can eat. Bare-root rhubarb rhizomes are most readily available for sale in nurseries in late winter and early spring.

If you have rhubarb in the garden and want to divide the roots to create new plants, early spring is the time to divide existing plants—before new growth begins. Rhubarb is easy to divide, just put a spade in the middle of the plant and dig up half the root.

Red-stemmed Victoria is one of the most popular rhubarb varieties. It can grow to 4 feet tall and wide, so give it some room. Green-stemmed MacDonald is smaller but still a great choice for pies and canning.

Read more at: How to Grow Rhubarb

More about Rhubarb at: Rhubarb: Kitchen Basics

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Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.