When to Plant Rhubarb in Mifflin 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.
Mifflin County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 1,022 feet, Mifflin County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season.
Mifflin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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.
Soil Compatibility in Mifflin County
How your county's soil matches Rhubarb's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.4) is more acidic than Rhubarb prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Mifflin County is excellent for Rhubarb — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Mifflin 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 — Mifflin County, PA
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
181 days in Mifflin County
Growing Tips for Rhubarb in Mifflin County
Direct sow Rhubarb outdoors after April 24 in Mifflin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 181.0-day growing season in Mifflin 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 Mifflin County, PA?
Mifflin County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mifflin County, PA?
Mifflin County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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