Rhubarb plants are perennial plants that grow in temperate climates and prefer full sun. They have large, green, fan-shaped leaves and thick, fleshy red or green stalks. Rhubarb plants can grow up to 2-3 feet in height and have a deep root system. Rhubarb plants require well-drained soil and regular watering. They are a cool-season crop, and they can be harvested in late spring or early summer. Rhubarb is a popular ingredient in pies, jams, and other desserts.
Planning Your Garden With Rhubarb
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Rhubarb is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Rhubarb is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8. |
| Cold Tolerance | Rhubarb is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 25. |
| Days to harvest | Rhubarb is typically ready to harvest in about 60-90 days after planting. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown rhubarb plant is about 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Rhubarb plants should be spaced about 2-3 feet apart in rows that are at least 4 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Rhubarb does not tolerate full sun. It prefers partial shade or partial sun and should be grown in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. |
| Shade tolerance | Rhubarb is a shade tolerant plant, and can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sun. |
| Water requirements | Rhubarb requires consistent, moderate moisture to thrive. It should be watered deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the growing season, water rhubarb plants about 1-2 inches per week. During the winter, water only when the soil is dry. Rhubarb does not tolerate standing water, so be sure to have adequate drainage. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing rhubarb depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of rhubarb bed. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing rhubarb is 6.0 to 6.8. |
Why Rhubarb is Popular
People like to grow rhubarb because it is easy to grow and maintain, and it has a delicious tart flavor. Rhubarb can be used in a variety of recipes, from pies and tarts to jams and sauces. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
Companion Plants For Rhubarb
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for rhubarb include:
Common Pests For Rhubarb
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow rhubarb, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- japanese beetles
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- beetles
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
