Rhubarb Growing Guide
Polygonaceae family
Days to Harvest90 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceHeavy
Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)
Germination7-21 days
HardinessVery Hardy
Germ. Temp65°F
Start Indoors10 weeks before last frost
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 16 | Apr 27 | — | Apr 27 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 16 | Apr 27 | — | Apr 27 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 6 | Apr 17 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 16 | Apr 27 | — | Apr 27 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 13 | Apr 24 | — | Apr 24 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 6 | Apr 17 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 4a | Feb 24 | Apr 7 | — | Apr 7 |
| Zone 4b | Feb 20 | Apr 3 | — | Apr 3 |
| Zone 5a | Feb 17 | Mar 31 | — | Mar 31 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 17 | Mar 31 | — | Mar 31 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 17 | Mar 31 | — | Mar 31 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 4 | Mar 18 | — | Mar 18 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Mar 18 | — | Mar 18 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 30 | Mar 13 | — | Mar 13 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 25 | Mar 8 | — | Mar 8 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 11 | Feb 22 | — | Feb 22 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 9 | Feb 20 | — | Feb 20 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 30 | Feb 10 | — | Feb 10 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 12 | Jan 23 | — | Jan 23 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 19 | Dec 31 | — | Dec 31 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 19 | Dec 31 | — | Dec 31 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 6 | Dec 18 | — | Dec 18 |
| Zone 12a | Oct 23 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
| Zone 12b | Oct 23 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
| Zone 13a | Oct 23 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
| Zone 13b | Oct 23 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Rhubarb?
Rhubarb takes approximately 90 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Rhubarb need?
Rhubarb requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Rhubarb?
Plant Rhubarb at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Rhubarb survive frost?
Rhubarb is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
How long does Rhubarb take to germinate?
Rhubarb seeds germinate in 7-21 days at an optimal temperature of 65°F.
When should I start Rhubarb seeds indoors?
Start Rhubarb seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -4 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Do not harvest the first year; let plants establish
- Pull (do not cut) stalks for harvest, twisting at the base
- Remove flower stalks immediately to maintain stalk production
Common Pests & Diseases
- Crown rot
- Rhubarb curculio
- Generally pest-free
Harvest Notes
Pull stalks when 12-18 inches long and fully colored. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once. Discard all leaves (toxic).
Plan Your Rhubarb Garden
Track Rhubarb from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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