How to Grow Rhubarb

Ready to grow Rhubarb?

Order seeds from trusted suppliers.

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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Find Your Rhubarb Planting Dates

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Rheum rhabarbarum

Category vegetable

Days to Maturity 365 days

Starting Method Start Indoors

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular

🌱

Germination

8-21 days

Ready to Grow Rhubarb?

Find quality seeds from trusted suppliers.

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow flower stalks to develop in early summer. Harvest when seeds in the large seed clusters turn brown.

Processing

Cut dried seed stalks, thresh to release seeds, winnow lightly.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Rhubarb seeds don't grow true to variety. For identical plants, propagate by crown division in early spring.

Seed Storage Supplies

✉️ Seed Envelopes 🗂️ Mylar Storage Bags 🧊 Silica Gel Packets 📋 Seed Organizer

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Rhubarb Planting Calendar by Zone

Rhubarb Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rhubarb? +

Start Rhubarb seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Rhubarb take to grow? +

Rhubarb typically matures in about 365 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Rhubarb indoors or direct sow? +

Rhubarb should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Rhubarb need? +

Rhubarb requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Rhubarb need? +

Rhubarb has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Rhubarb? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Rhubarb is rated moderate. Allow flower stalks to develop in early summer. Harvest when seeds in the large seed clusters turn brown. Cut dried seed stalks, thresh to release seeds, winnow lightly.

How long do Rhubarb seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Rhubarb seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Rhubarb seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Rhubarb is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Rhubarb

Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a popular garden vegetable. It's best started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplanted outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost.

Expect your Rhubarb to be ready for harvest in approximately 365 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.