When to Plant Rhubarb in Crowley County, CO
This month in Crowley County, Colorado
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Crowley County, Colorado this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Plant out rhubarb
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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.
Crowley County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 5,963 feet, Crowley County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Rhubarb successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Crowley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
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 Crowley County
How your county's soil matches Rhubarb's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) is more alkaline than Rhubarb prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Crowley County is excellent for Rhubarb — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Rhubarb.
How to Plant Rhubarb
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Crowley 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 — Crowley County, CO
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Crowley County
Growing Tips for Rhubarb in Crowley County
Direct sow Rhubarb outdoors after April 26 in Crowley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 166.0-day growing season in Crowley County is tight for Rhubarb (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Crowley County receives only 18" of rain annually. Rhubarb needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Crowley County, CO?
Crowley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crowley County, CO?
Crowley County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 9.
Your Crowley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crowley County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.