The Best Tips for Growing Rhubarb: A Complete Guide

Growing rhubarb is one of the easiest and most rewarding tasks for any UK gardener. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced green thumb, rhubarb is a great perennial crop that will keep coming back year after year with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of plant that once you get it going, it can more or less take care of itself, but there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing rhubarb, from planting to harvesting, and a few personal tips I’ve learned from my own gardening escapades.

Bundle of rhubarb with red stems and green leaves — Rhubarb is a fantastic addition to any garden — it’s low-maintenance, hardy in the UK climate, and keeps producing year after year. Plus, those tart, flavour-packed stalks are perfect for pies, crumbles, and even chutneys!

Choosing the Right Rhubarb Variety

When it comes to growing rhubarb, variety matters. Most people think of the familiar deep red stalks, but rhubarb actually comes in several different shades, including green and pink. Some varieties are sweeter than others, while some are better for cooking. Here are a few varieties commonly grown in the UK:

Victoria: Probably the most popular rhubarb variety. It’s reliable, hardy, and produces long, red stalks with a slightly tart flavour.
Timperley Early: This one’s ideal for an early harvest, especially if you’re impatient and want your rhubarb ready early in the season. It produces tender stalks that are a bit sweeter than Victoria.
Glaskins Perpetual: If you’re looking for a variety that keeps producing through the growing season, Glaskins is a good bet. It’s also one of the varieties that’s often used for forcing (more on that later).
Champagne: Known for its sweeter flavour and bright pink stems, this variety is perfect if you want something a little different.

It’s a good idea to pick a variety that suits your needs, whether you’re more into cooking pies, making rhubarb gin (guilty!), or just enjoying the sight of those lovely stalks in your garden.

A bundle of fresh red rhubarb stalks neatly arranged on a green table, ready for purchase at a market. — These vibrant red stalks are from the **Timperley Early** variety of rhubarb, known for its sweet flavour and early harvest. Timperley Early is perfect for UK gardens, producing an abundant crop as early as March, making it one of the first rhubarb varieties to enjoy in the season.

Best Time to Plant Rhubarb

The best time to plant rhubarb crowns is in late autumn or early winter. Ideally, you want to plant your crowns in October or November, before the frost hits, giving them time to settle in. Rhubarb is a hardy plant, so it doesn’t mind the cold too much, but planting it when the soil is still a little warm can give it a head start.

Alternatively, you can plant rhubarb in early spring, around March. I personally prefer autumn planting because it gives the plant a longer period to establish, but spring works just fine if that’s when you get around to it.

Preparing the Soil

Rhubarb thrives in rich, well-drained soil. It prefers a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.8, so it’s important to prepare your planting site properly. I remember planting my first rhubarb crown in what I thought was a perfectly good patch of garden soil, only to realise a year later that it was sitting in a waterlogged mess!

Drainage is key. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, add plenty of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure.
Rhubarb is a heavy feeder, meaning it loves nutrients. Before planting, dig in lots of well-rotted manure or compost into the planting site. The more organic matter you can work into the soil, the better.

Planting Rhubarb

Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant your rhubarb crowns. Plant them about 1 metre (3 feet) apart, as these plants will grow quite large. When planting, make sure the top of the crown is just visible above the soil surface. Don’t bury it too deep or it may rot.

A personal tip I picked up after my first go at rhubarb – be patient. The first year after planting, you’ll want to leave the plant alone. It’s tempting to pick those lovely stalks, but letting the plant focus on establishing itself will lead to better, stronger growth in the following years.

Freshly grown rhubarb stalks with vibrant red stems and lush green leaves sprouting from rich, dark soil in a garden. — To plant rhubarb, choose a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden. Plant crowns in early spring or autumn, ensuring the growing point sits just above the soil. Space the crowns about 1 metre apart to allow plenty of room for growth. Once established, rhubarb will thrive for years with minimal maintenance.

Watering and Feeding Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a thirsty plant. Make sure you water your rhubarb regularly, especially during dry spells. In the UK, we can usually rely on rain to do most of the work, but during a dry summer, you’ll need to give it a helping hand.

Water deeply, making sure the soil is thoroughly soaked, but avoid waterlogging.
Mulch around the base of the plant with compost or manure in early spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. This mulch will also help feed the plant as it breaks down.

Rhubarb also benefits from a good feed once or twice during the growing season. I like to top-dress my rhubarb with a bit of well-rotted manure or compost in early spring, just as it’s waking up, and again in late summer. This keeps it happy and productive.

Forcing Rhubarb

If you’re after an earlier harvest, you can try forcing your rhubarb. This technique involves covering the plant in early winter to encourage the stems to grow faster and become tender. It’s an old trick I learned from a neighbour when I first started growing rhubarb, and the results are worth it.

Here’s how to do it:

Cover the crown with a large pot or rhubarb forcer in January or February. Make sure the pot is completely light-proof.
The lack of light forces the stems to grow longer as they search for sunlight.
You’ll have your first rhubarb stalks ready to harvest as early as February or March, and they’ll be extra tender and sweet.

Just remember not to force the same plant every year, as it can weaken the crown.

Common Pests and Problems

Rhubarb is a hardy plant that isn’t often troubled by pests, but there are a few things to watch out for:

Crown rot: This is probably the most common problem with rhubarb. It usually happens when the plant is grown in poorly-drained soil or planted too deeply. Avoid overwatering and keep the crown just above the soil surface.
Slugs and snails: While they don’t usually bother the stalks, slugs and snails may nibble at young shoots. If you’re in a particularly sluggy area, keep an eye out and use organic slug pellets if necessary.
Rhubarb curculio: This is a type of beetle that can bore into the plant stems. While it’s rare in the UK, if you notice holes in your stalks, it’s worth investigating.

potted rhubarb plants ready for planting. rhubarb plants attacked by snails — A couple of years ago my young rhubarb plants were ambushed by snails. Be sure to keep an eye out to spot the problem early.

Harvesting Rhubarb

After your plant’s second year in the ground, it’s time to start harvesting your rhubarb. The best time to harvest is from April to June, depending on the variety and whether you’ve forced it.

Here’s how to harvest rhubarb properly:

Pull the stalks away from the crown with a gentle tug. Don’t cut them, as this can damage the plant.
Leave at least a third of the stalks on the plant to allow it to continue growing healthily.

A quick note – only the stalks of rhubarb are edible. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which is toxic, so make sure to discard them (composting is fine).

What to Do with Your Rhubarb Harvest

One of the great things about growing your own rhubarb is the sheer variety of things you can do with it. From sweet to savoury, rhubarb is surprisingly versatile. Here are a few ideas for using your harvest:

Rhubarb crumble: The classic. If you haven’t made a crumble with your home-grown rhubarb, you’re missing out. Top with custard for that perfect Sunday treat.
Rhubarb gin: A personal favourite. Infuse gin with chopped rhubarb for a few weeks, and you’ve got a delicious rhubarb-flavoured spirit for summer cocktails.
Rhubarb chutney: If you prefer savoury, rhubarb makes a lovely tangy chutney that pairs well with cheese and meats.

A freshly baked rhubarb crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, served in a white dish alongside a bowl of cream on a cooling rack. — Rhubarb crumble is a classic British dessert, balancing the tartness of rhubarb with a buttery, sweet crumble topping. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of cream for the perfect comfort food.

Dividing Rhubarb Plants

Rhubarb plants can live for up to 10 years or more, but over time they can become crowded and less productive. To keep them vigorous, you should consider dividing your rhubarb plants every 5 to 6 years.

Here’s how to divide rhubarb:

In autumn, dig up the entire crown.
Using a sharp spade or knife, split the crown into sections, making sure each section has at least one bud.
Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil, spacing them about 1 metre apart.

This is a great way to increase your rhubarb patch without buying new plants.

Growing Rhubarb in Containers

If you’re short on garden space, don’t worry – rhubarb grows well in containers too. I’ve had great success growing rhubarb in large pots on my patio, and it’s a great option if you want to keep the plant more contained.

Choose a large pot, at least 50cm wide and deep, to give the plant plenty of room to grow.
Use ericaceous compost mixed with well-rotted manure for a rich, well-drained soil mix.
Water regularly and feed with a liquid feed once a month during the growing season.

A young rhubarb plant growing in a large terracotta container, placed outdoors against a wooden wall. — Rhubarb can be grown successfully in containers, making it a great option for small spaces or patios. Choose a large pot with good drainage, fill it with rich, well-drained compost, and plant the rhubarb crown in early spring or autumn. Water regularly and apply mulch to retain moisture, and you’ll have a steady harvest of delicious rhubarb for years to come!

Overwintering Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a hardy plant that can survive the UK winter, but giving it a little extra care over the colder months can help ensure a healthy plant come spring. In late autumn, mulch around the base of the plant with straw or compost to protect the crown from frost.

Companion Planting with Rhubarb

While rhubarb does well on its own, you can grow it alongside certain plants to help improve its growth and protect it from pests. Companion planting is an age-old technique that’s worth considering.

Onions and garlic: Planting onions or garlic nearby can help deter aphids and other pests.
Strawberries: Strawberries and rhubarb are perfect companions, both in the garden and on the plate! They don’t compete for nutrients, and you’ll get a double harvest.

Fresh rhubarb and strawberries on a wooden board — Rhubarb and strawberries not only grow beautifully together in the garden, but they also make the perfect culinary pairing. Plant them side by side to enjoy a continuous harvest of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries, perfect for crumbles, jams, or pies!

A Must-Have Crop for Any UK Garden

There you have it – all the best tips for growing rhubarb successfully in the UK. Whether you’re planting in a traditional garden bed or trying your hand at growing rhubarb in containers, this hardy plant is a wonderful addition to any garden. With minimal care, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest year after year. And once you’ve tasted rhubarb grown from your own garden, you’ll never look back. Just don’t forget the custard! If you need more guidance on growing rhubarb, check out this handy blog from Haxnicks.

Your next read: How to Successfully Grow Courgettes in a Small Garden

Man holding bunch of courgettes in vegetable garden — Discover the best tips for growing rhubarb in your garden. From planting to harvesting, this complete guide will help you enjoy this low-maintenance, delicious crop year after year.

If there’s one vegetable that every UK gardener should try growing in their small garden, it’s the courgette (or zucchini, for our American friends). Courgettes are incredibly rewarding to grow, producing bountiful harvests with just a little bit of care and attention. Even better, they thrive in the UK’s temperate climate and can be grown in even the tiniest of spaces—whether in pots on your patio or tucked into a raised bed in your garden.