How to Grow Rhubarb

Thinking of growing rhubarb? You'll be surprised to know that you just need to plant it once, treat it well and it will continue to produce gorgeous edible stalks for you to use (more apple and rhubarb crumble for your tum!). You'll need a little bit of patience though, as harvesting takes place from the second year. Rhubarb is typically grown from crowns in winter or early spring, but it can also be grown from seed.

Full sun or part shade

Regular watering

Well drained

Suitable for all climatic zones.

70-100 weeks from planting

All year round for some locations (check label)

How to grow rhubarb in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny or part-shade spot in your garden, protected from the hot afternoon sun. Loosen soil and enrich with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Sow seeds direct or plant in trays of Yates Seed Raising Mix and allow seeds to grow 7cm tall before transplanting. If growing from crowns, plant so that the roots are under the soil, but the 'eye' (from where the shoots will emerge) is at ground level.

Step 3

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food during the growing season and mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulch like sugar cane or pea straw to retain moisture.

Step 4

Wait until the second year before harvesting. Harvest by pulling stalks away from the main stem – don't cut them as exposed stems can cause rot. Continually harvest to promote new growth and remove any flower stalks.

How to grow rhubarb in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in a sunny or part-shade spot in your garden, protected from the hot afternoon sun. Fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Fill starter trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Sow seeds, lightly cover and water. Keep the soil moist throughout germination. If growing from crowns, plant so the roots are under the potting mix, but the 'eye' (from where the shoots emerge) is at ground level.

Step 3

Once seedlings reach 7cm tall, transplant into chosen pot and water in well.

Step 4

Feed plants weekly with Yates Thrive Vegie & Herb Liquid Plant Food during the growing season.

Step 5

Wait until the second year before harvesting. Harvest by pulling stalks away from the main stem – don't cut them as exposed stems can cause rot. Continually harvest to promote new growth and remove any flower stalks.

Yates varieties

Growing tips

Don't begin harvesting until the plant is well established, which may mean waiting until the second year. Harvest by pulling stalks away from the base with a sharp tug. Never cut them.
Leave the youngest stalks in the centre of each plant to promote new growth.
Rhubarb leaves and roots are poisonous and should be discarded or composted.
After about four or five years, break up the established clump and spread to new, well-prepared parts of the garden. The best time to divide is in winter.
Stalks don't always develop red stems, but green stems are safe to eat and the flavour is just as good. Stems tend to develop stronger red colouring in cooler climates.
In winter, loosen soil around the plants and fork in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. This will give them a good start for spring growth.