When to Plant Rhubarb in Bradford County, PA
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.
Bradford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 857 feet, Bradford County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season.
Bradford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Rhubarb Planting Timeline — Bradford County, PA
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
365–730 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
154 days
Growing Tips for Bradford County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Rhubarb in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rhubarb in Bradford County, PA?
Bradford County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bradford County, PA?
Bradford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bradford County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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