Rhubarb Planting Guide
Rhubarb is a long-lived perennial vegetable grown for its tart, colorful stalks. Only the stalks are edible as the leaves contain toxic oxalic acid.
Rheum rhabarbarum · Vegetable · Polygonaceae family · 365–730 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Rhubarb Planting Dates
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Where Can You Grow Rhubarb?
Rhubarb Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Rhubarb planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | — | Jun 12 | — |
| Zone 3b | — | — | Jun 7 | — |
| Zone 4a | — | — | Jun 3 | — |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 29 | — |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 16 | — |
| Zone 5b | — | — | May 9 | — |
| Zone 6a | — | — | May 1 | — |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 24 | — |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 8 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 29 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 18 | — |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Rhubarb is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Rhubarb benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Rhubarb
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 8b
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Polygonaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Polygonaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Rhubarb to Grow
Rhubarb takes 365–730 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Rhubarb
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Rhubarb
Plant crowns in early spring in rich, well-drained soil. Do not harvest stalks the first year. Pull (do not cut) stalks at harvest to avoid introducing rot.
Saving Rhubarb Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Rhubarb by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Rhubarb?
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) takes 365 to 730 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Rhubarb grow in?
Rhubarb can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Rhubarb need?
Growing Rhubarb requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.