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When to plant Rhubarb in Dade County, MO

Plant Rhubarb in Dade County, between April 29 and May 13 — the only viable window. Zone 7a's short season (201 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Rhubarb in Dade County, MO

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.

Dade County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 660 feet, Dade County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season.

Dade County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Dade County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Rhubarb Planting Timeline — Dade County, MO

Rhubarb Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13

Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

201 days in Dade County

Growing Tips for Dade 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rhubarb in Dade County, MO?

Dade County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dade County, MO?

Dade County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Rhubarb in Dade County, MO?

In Dade County, MO, plant Rhubarb after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Dade County, MO for Rhubarb?

Dade County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Rhubarb grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Rhubarb grow in Dade County's climate?

Yes — Rhubarb grows well in Dade County's temperate climate. Dade County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.

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Your Dade County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Dade County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Dade County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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