When to Plant Rhubarb: Space, Harvest, and Leaf Safety
Long-lived perennial grown for tart spring stalks. One plant is usually enough for a family and needs about a 3 by 3 foot space.
When to plant rhubarb
Give it room and sun
A single plant usually provides enough stalks for a family. Give each plant about a 3 by 3 foot area in well-drained soil and all-day sun. Plant it at the edge of the garden so it can stay there for years.
Wait to harvest
Do not harvest the first season. Wait until the second season, or the third if you started from seed. To pick, hold a full-length stalk, pull, and twist. Do not cut stalks off with a knife.
Leaves and late summer
Only the stalks are edible. The leaves are toxic, so trim them off right after harvest and discard them. Stop regular harvest around the end of June so the plant can rebuild energy. The idea that the whole plant becomes toxic later in summer is a myth. A few late stalks for one dish will not harm the plant, though they may be tougher.
Sources: Minnesota Extension: growing rhubarb.
Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA lists rhubarb, also called pie plant, as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Rhubarb
Zone dates below are a starting point. Check local frost dates, soil conditions and the seed packet before planting.
Plant Rhubarb in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 10 to May 31 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 1 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | April 20 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 10 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 1 to May 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | March 20 to April 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | March 10 to April 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to March 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to March 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to February 28 | Spring only |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to February 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 13 | January 1 to February 1 | Spring only |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Give each plant about a 3 by 3 foot area in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns at the same depth they grew before, with bare-root crowns just level with the soil. Do not harvest the first year. From seed, wait until the third season.
- Spacing: 36 inches apart, 36 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 40F to 70F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: About 1 inch of water each week during the growing season
- Days to harvest: 365
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Annual spring application; rhubarb is a heavy feeder
- Balanced fertilizer synthetic: Once each year in spring; avoid extra phosphorus if a soil test is already high
Companion Plants
No specific companion plants are listed yet.
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Wait until the second season before harvesting, or the third season if you started from seed
- Pull and twist full-length stalks; do not cut them off with a knife
- Trim the leaves off right away and discard them. The leaves are toxic
- Harvest freely until the end of June, then let the plant keep its leaves
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Rhubarb?
A single plant usually provides enough stalks for a family. Give each plant about a 3 by 3 foot area in well-drained soil and all-day sun. Plant it at the edge of the garden so it can stay there for years.
What is the best time of year to plant Rhubarb?
A single plant usually provides enough stalks for a family. Give each plant about a 3 by 3 foot area in well-drained soil and all-day sun. Plant it at the edge of the garden so it can stay there for years. Do not harvest the first season. Wait until the second season, or the third if you started from seed. To pick, hold a full-length stalk, pull, and twist. Do not cut stalks off with a knife.
Where is the best place to plant Rhubarb?
Plant Rhubarb in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 40F to 70F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Rhubarb?
Plant Rhubarb about 36 inches apart, with rows around 36 inches apart.
What grows well with Rhubarb?
Use compatible herbs, flowers, and crops that share similar sunlight and watering needs.
How long does Rhubarb take to grow?
Rhubarb is typically ready to harvest in about 365 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Rhubarb?
Harvest Rhubarb when wait until the second season before harvesting, or the third season if you started from seed. Pull and twist full-length stalks; do not cut them off with a knife Trim the leaves off right away and discard them. The leaves are toxic