When to plant Rhubarb in Liverpool

Rheum × hybridum

Rhubarb
Rhubarb · 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

Add to garden

Calibrated to Liverpool · last frost ≈ 16 Apr

Plant out November to December, harvest April to July. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    8 Oct to 5 Nov

    Prepare a permanent bed around 8th October - 5th November. Take out perennial weeds. Work in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost.

  2. 02

    Plant Crowns

    5 Nov to 27 Dec

    Plant dormant crowns around 5th November - 27th 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.

  3. 03

    Keep Weed Free

    5 Nov to 22 Nov 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 5th November to 22nd November 2027, keep the bed weed-free. Water in dry spells. Do not pick any stems in the year you plant.

  4. 04

    Feed and Mulch

    15 Feb to 17 Mar 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 days

    Top-dress around the crown from 15th February - 17th March 2027 with garden compost or a balanced organic fertiliser. Do this once a year. Do not bury the crown.

  5. 05

    Harvest Stems

    8 Apr to 29 Jul 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Do not pick stems in the year you plant. Take a few stems in year two, from 8th April 2028 to 29th July 2028. Pull and twist from the base. Do not cut. Leave plenty of foliage. The leaves are not edible.

  6. 06

    Clear Dead Foliage

    29 Oct to 26 Nov 2027

    Once the leaves die back around 29th October - 26th November 2027, clear the old foliage. Do not leave it sitting on the bed.

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.