Perennial Vegetable

When to Plant Rhubarb

Cold-climate perennial producing tart, red stalks for pies and sauces. Thrives in zones 3-7 and produces for decades.

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Water

1-2 inches per week

Days to Harvest

365

Difficulty

beginner

Spacing

36"

Frost Tolerance

high

The Short Answer

Rhubarb are cold-tolerant and actually prefer cooler growing conditions. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Rhubarb

Rhubarb is the pie plant — the intensely tart stalks need sugar to become edible, which is why rhubarb pie, crumble, and strawberry-rhubarb jam are its destiny. Only the stalks are edible; the leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid and are genuinely toxic. Plant crowns (root divisions), not seeds, for faster establishment. Don't harvest the first year — let all energy go to root building. By year two, harvest lightly; by year three, harvest freely from April through June. Victoria is the classic green-stalked variety; Canada Red and Valentine produce red stalks.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 0 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 40°F.

Growing Tips

Plant crowns, not seeds. Don't harvest the first year. Stalks only — leaves are toxic. A single plant produces 3-5 pounds per year for 15-20 years.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Garlic Onions Beans

Keep away from:

Docks

Rhubarb Planting Dates by State

Click your state for rhubarb planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026