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
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 | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 8b
Growing Tips
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
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
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.