How to Grow and Care for Rhubarb

Rhubarb, also known as Garden Rhubarb, Pie Plant

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable known for its edible stalks, making it a unique addition to garden beds. Key care points include ensuring rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and consistent moisture, as rhubarb demands a water retentive environment. It is crucial to avoid harvesting too many stalks in the first year to allow rhubarb to establish itself. This plant also requires a dormant period in the winter, making it relatively easy to grow in temperate regions.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Rhubarb

Toughness	Medium
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	4-8
Toxicity	Toxic to Pets

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The Toxicity of Rhubarb

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More General Info About Rhubarb

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Rhubarb presents as a robust perennial with a distinct appearance. It grows from basal clumps, sporting large, heart-shaped leaves that sit atop thick, reddish petioles. The leaves themselves may reach up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in both width and length. During its flowering phase, rhubarb produces small flowers that gather into dense, terminal clusters, culminating in an elongated inflorescence. The fruit of rhubarb is quite unique, adopting a 3-winged structure and possessing a reddish hue that complements the coloration of its petioles.