When to Plant Rhubarb in Jefferson 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.
Jefferson County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,026 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 42.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rhubarb to ensure they mature before fall.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.4
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 — Jefferson County, PA
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| 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
142 days
Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 Jefferson County, PA?
Jefferson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, PA?
Jefferson County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jefferson County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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