Rhubarbs in Illogan

Rheum × hybridum

Rhubarb
Rhubarb · Rheum × hybridum

A hardy perennial for a permanent UK bed. Plant crowns in rich, well-drained soil and leave them to establish before taking a light crop from year two.

100 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Illogan · last frost ≈ 31 Mar

Plant out November to January, harvest May to July. Frost risk November to March.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Rhubarb

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    18 Oct to 15 Nov

    Prepare a permanent bed around 18th October - 15th November. Remove perennial weeds thoroughly and work in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost, since the planting area will stay in use for years.

  2. 02

    Plant Crowns

    15 Nov to 6 Jan

    Plant dormant crowns or bare roots around 15th November - 6th January in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Set the buds just at or below the surface, space them well apart, and water in thoroughly straight away.

  3. 03

    Keep Weed Free

    10 Apr to 6 Nov

    Keep the planting area weed-free from 10th April while the crown settles in. Water during dry spells and do not harvest any stems this year, so the root can build strength.

  4. 04

    Feed and Mulch

    30 Jan to 1 Mar every 365 days

    Top-dress the crown from 30th January - 1st March with a thick layer of compost or a balanced organic fertiliser. Repeat this every 365 days to keep the plant productive.

  5. 05

    Harvest Stems

    9 May to 8 Jul

    Start harvesting from 9th May once the plant is well established in the second year. Pull or twist stems away cleanly, then stop by 8th July so the foliage can rebuild the crown for next year.

  6. 06

    Clear Dead Foliage

    8 Nov to 6 Dec

    Once the leaves die back around 8th November - 6th December, cut old foliage to ground level and clear it away. This helps reduce pest and disease carry-over into the next season.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Rhubarb.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Rhubarb to consider

Timperley Early

An early cropping variety that can be forced for very early harvests under pots or in darkness.

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.

Rhubarb guides by town

See how Rhubarb timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.