{"id":1001,"date":"2023-04-21T15:34:02","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T22:34:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1001"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:56:51","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:56:51","slug":"how-to-grow-rhubarb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Rhubarb &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/How-to-Grow-Rhubarb.png\" alt=\"rhubarb plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nRhubarb, which are known botanically as Rheum rhabarbarum, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing rhubarb as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Rhubarb\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Rhubarb\">Best Time to Plant Rhubarb<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#How_to_Plant_Rhubarb_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Rhubarb the Right Way\">How to Plant Rhubarb the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Rhubarb\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Rhubarb\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Rhubarb<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#How_Much_to_Water_Rhubarb\" title=\"How Much to Water Rhubarb\">How Much to Water Rhubarb<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Rhubarb_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Rhubarb to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Rhubarb to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#When_to_Harvest_Rhubarb\" title=\"When to Harvest Rhubarb\">When to Harvest Rhubarb<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#What_Can_Rhubarb_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Rhubarb Be Used For?\">What Can Rhubarb Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#Can_Rhubarb_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Rhubarb Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Rhubarb Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-rhubarb\/#Are_Rhubarb_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Rhubarb Safe for Bees?\">Are Rhubarb Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Rhubarb\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Rhubarb<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the rhubarb seeds in early spring, using root divisions. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when rhubarb are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Rhubarb_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Rhubarb the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing rhubarb in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your rhubarb grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained and fertile. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 6.5.<\/p>\n<p>3&#8243; apart in rows 18-24&#8243; apart. 3-4 feet apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about 4-6&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your rhubarb seedlings 3-4 feet apart when seedlings are 4-6&#8243; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Rhubarb\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Rhubarb<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your rhubarb. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, your rhubarb should be getting full sun to partial shade, which means at least 4-6 hours of sunlight.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Rhubarb\"><\/span>How Much to Water Rhubarb<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you&#8217;ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your rhubarb do, and the amount of water is no different.<\/p>\n<p>Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your rhubarb begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you&#8217;re giving it.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it&#8217;s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Rhubarb_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Rhubarb to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your rhubarb grow.<\/p>\n<p>It takes approximately root divisions do not need to germinate to germinate, and a total of 2-3 years for full maturity from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Rhubarb\"><\/span>When to Harvest Rhubarb<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your rhubarb is when stalks are 12-18&#8243; long and 1\/2-1&#8243; thick.<\/p>\n<p>Rhubarb can grow up to about 12-18&#8243; long stalks.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Rhubarb_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Rhubarb Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> great for pies, jams, and sauces<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> tart, tangy, and slightly sweet.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Rhubarb_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Rhubarb Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, it is generally not advised to grow rhubarb in pots or containers.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Rhubarb_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Rhubarb Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, rhubarb are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing rhubarb is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rhubarb, which are known botanically as Rheum rhabarbarum, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing rhubarb as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Rhubarb This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the rhubarb seeds in early spring, using root divisions. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when rhubarb are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":985,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[22,173],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1001"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1001"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1001\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1135,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1001\/revisions\/1135"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}