When to plant Rhubarb in Marshall County, KS
Marshall County's 175-day season only supports one Rhubarb planting per year. Sow between May 13 and May 27 for the best chance at full maturity before October 14.
When to Plant Rhubarb in Marshall County, KS
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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.
Marshall County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 840 feet, Marshall County receives approximately 22.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rhubarb to ensure they mature before fall.
Marshall County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Rhubarb 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 Marshall County
How your county's soil matches Rhubarb's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.8) is more alkaline than Rhubarb prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Marshall County is excellent for Rhubarb — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Rhubarb.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Rhubarb will thrive.
How to Plant Rhubarb
Rhubarb Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marshall 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 — Marshall County, KS
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
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 · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
175 days in Marshall County
Growing Tips for Rhubarb in Marshall County
Direct sow Rhubarb outdoors after April 22 in Marshall County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 175.0-day growing season in Marshall County is tight for Rhubarb (365.0-730.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Marshall County receives only 23" 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 Marshall County, KS?
Marshall County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marshall County, KS?
Marshall County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Rhubarb in Marshall County, KS?
In Marshall County, KS, plant Rhubarb after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marshall County, KS for Rhubarb?
Marshall County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Rhubarb grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rhubarb grow in Marshall County's climate?
Yes — Rhubarb grows well in Marshall County's temperate climate. Marshall County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your Marshall County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marshall County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.