Rhubarbs in Parting of the Heaths

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 Parting of the Heaths · last frost ≈ 1 May

Plant out April to May, harvest April to June. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Rhubarb

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    1 Apr to 15 May

    Prepare a permanent bed around 1st April - 15th May. 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

    1 Apr to 15 May

    Plant dormant crowns or bare roots around 1st April - 15th May 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

    23 Apr to 21 Aug

    Keep the planting area weed-free from 23rd 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

    17 Apr to 1 May every 365 days

    Top-dress the crown from 17th April - 1st May 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

    1 Apr to 30 Jun

    Start harvesting from 1st April once the plant is well established in the second year. Pull or twist stems away cleanly, then stop by 30th June so the foliage can rebuild the crown for next year.

  6. 06

    Clear Dead Foliage

    13 Oct to 10 Nov

    Once the leaves die back around 13th October - 10th November, 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.