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When to Plant Rhubarb in Johnson County, TX

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.

Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.

At an elevation of 2,525 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 62.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92Β°F, providing good warmth for Rhubarb during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Rhubarb, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rhubarb root diseases.

Johnson County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
239 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
239 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

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 β€” 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 7.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 11.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Johnson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Rhubarb Planting Timeline β€” Johnson County, TX

Rhubarb Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

365–730 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

239 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, TX?

Johnson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Rhubarb planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, TX?

Johnson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Johnson County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Johnson County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.