Lawn Guardian

When to Plant Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum

vegetableZones 2–8beginner

Hardy perennial producing tart, colorful stalks perfect for pies and jams. Easy to grow and long-lived once established. Only the stalks are edible -- leaves are toxic.

Planting calendar

Direct sow / transplant

4 weeks before your last spring frost.

Plant crowns in early spring; do not harvest first year to establish root system

Spacing & harvest

Companion planting

Plant near

Get rhubarb planting dates for your exact zone

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns