When to plant Rhubarb in Washington County, IL
In Washington County, Rhubarb is a spring-only crop. Plant April 30–May 14 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Rhubarb in Washington County, IL
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.
Washington County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,126 feet, Washington County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Rhubarb Planting Timeline — Washington County, IL
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rhubarb in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rhubarb in Washington County, IL?
Washington County is in Zone 6b 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 Washington County, IL?
Washington County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Rhubarb in Washington County, IL?
In Washington County, IL, plant Rhubarb after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, IL for Rhubarb?
Washington County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Rhubarb grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rhubarb grow in Washington County's climate?
Yes — Rhubarb grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.