Timperley Early
An early cropping variety that can be forced for very early harvests under pots or in darkness.
When to plant Rhubarb in Cardiff
Rheum × hybridum
A hardy perennial for a permanent UK bed. Plant crowns in rich, well-drained soil. Leave them to establish. Take a light crop from year two. The leaves are not edible. A little light shade is fine.
100 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Cardiff · last frost ≈ 22 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Harvest | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Prepare the Bed
23 Sept to 21 OctPrepare a permanent bed around 23rd September - 21st October. Take out perennial weeds. Work in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost.
02
Plant Crowns
21 Oct to 12 DecPlant dormant crowns around 21st October - 12th December in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. If the ground is still open later, you can still plant. Set the buds just at or slightly above the soil. Do not bury them. Buried crowns rot. Space apart. Water in.
- Seed, forcing, and spring-potted plants are separate routes.
03
Keep Weed Free
21 Oct to 7 Nov 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 21st October to 7th November 2027, keep the bed weed-free. Water in dry spells. Do not pick any stems in the year you plant.
04
Feed and Mulch
21 Feb to 23 Mar 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 daysTop-dress around the crown from 21st February - 23rd March 2027 with garden compost or a balanced organic fertiliser. Do this once a year. Do not bury the crown.
05
Harvest Stems
24 Mar to 14 Jul 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageDo not pick stems in the year you plant. Take a few stems in year two, from 24th March 2028 to 14th July 2028. Pull and twist from the base. Do not cut. Leave plenty of foliage. The leaves are not edible.
06
Clear Dead Foliage
14 Oct to 11 Nov 2027Once the leaves die back around 14th October - 11th November 2027, clear the old foliage. Do not leave it sitting on the bed.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Rhubarb to consider
Victoria
A reliable, widely grown variety with good flavour and strong stems.
Stockbridge Arrow
A modern variety with long, straight stalks and a good harvest window.
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Rhubarb guides by town
See how Rhubarb timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.