When to plant Rhubarb in Pine County, MN
Plant Rhubarb in Pine County, between June 7 and June 21 — the only viable window. Zone 4a's short season (142 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Rhubarb in Pine County, MN
Your July gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Pine County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 4a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 538 feet, Pine County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Rhubarb to ensure they mature before fall.
Pine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 Pine County
How your county's soil matches Rhubarb's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) overlaps with Rhubarb's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pine County is excellent for Rhubarb — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Rhubarb will thrive.
How to Plant Rhubarb
Rhubarb 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pine 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 — Pine County, MN
Rhubarb Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
365–730 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Pine County
Growing Tips for Rhubarb in Pine County
Direct sow Rhubarb outdoors after May 10 in Pine County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 142.0-day growing season in Pine 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 Pine County, MN?
Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pine County, MN?
Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Rhubarb in Pine County, MN?
In Pine County, MN, plant Rhubarb after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pine County, MN for Rhubarb?
Pine County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Rhubarb grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Rhubarb grow in Pine County's climate?
Yes — Rhubarb grows well in Pine County's temperate climate. Pine County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 29.
Your Pine County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pine County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.