When to Plant Rhubarb in Mayes County, OK
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.
Mayes County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 777 feet, Mayes County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season.
Mayes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Mayes County
How your county's soil matches Rhubarb's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) overlaps with Rhubarb's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Mayes County is excellent for Rhubarb — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Rhubarb.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Rhubarb.
How to Plant Rhubarb
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rhubarb
Rhubarb needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rhubarb Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mayes County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rhubarb Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Rhubarb Planting Timeline — Mayes County, OK
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Mayes County
Growing Tips for Rhubarb in Mayes County
Direct sow Rhubarb outdoors after April 09 in Mayes County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 201.0-day growing season in Mayes County is tight for Rhubarb (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General 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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rhubarb in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rhubarb in Mayes County, OK?
Mayes County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mayes County, OK?
Mayes County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mayes County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.