How to Grow Rhubarb

Beginner-Friendly

Rheum rhabarbarum

A hardy perennial grown for its tart edible stalks. Only the stalks are eaten — leaves are toxic (contain oxalic acid). One of the first spring harvests. Plants produce for 8–15 years from a single crown. Thrives in cold climates with a winter dormancy period.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
365–730 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
60 cm / 24"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.5" / 38 mm
Fertilization
moderate feeder

Growing Notes

Plant crowns in early spring or fall. Do not harvest the first year; take only a few stalks the second year. Pull (don't cut) stalks when 25–40 cm long. Stop harvesting by midsummer to let the plant rebuild energy. Divide crowns every 5–6 years.

Varieties & Cultivars

4 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Classic heirloom

(1)
Victoria
365–730 days Open-Pollinated

vigorous and reliable; excellent flavour for pies and preserves; can be grown from seed

Height
24–30" (61–76 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
3.9 oz (110 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Deep red almost purple stalks

(1)
Valentine
365–730 days Open-Pollinated

very vigorous; tender texture; excellent for fresh eating and desserts

Height
24–36" (61–91 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
3.5 oz (100 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Deep red stalks throughout

(1)
Crimson Red
365–730 days Open-Pollinated

very cold-hardy; heavy producer; beautiful in the garden

Height
24–36" (61–91 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
3.4 oz (95 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Extra-sweet red stalks

(1)
Canada Red
365–730 days Open-Pollinated

less stringy than other varieties; excellent for fresh eating and sauce; needs less sugar

Height
18–30" (46–76 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
3.0 oz (85 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
5 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside rhubarb, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Strawberry : Classic garden pairing; complementary harvest windows; rhubarb leaves shade strawberry roots
Kale : Rhubarb's large leaves shade kale roots in summer heat
Onion : Onions deter pests from rhubarb; complementary root depths
Beans : Beans fix nitrogen that benefits heavy-feeding rhubarb
Cabbage : Rhubarb leaves may deter whiteflies and cabbage worms
Garlic : Garlic deters rhubarb crown borers and fungal diseases

Keep Apart

Turnip : Root crops compete with rhubarb's deep crown system
Potato : Potatoes and rhubarb compete for nutrients and may share soil-borne diseases

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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