When to plant Rhubarb in the UK

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
Plant out October to December, harvest February to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYes
HarvestNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Prepare the Bed

    mid-September to mid-October UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Prepare a permanent bed around mid-September to mid-October. 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

    mid-October to early December UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant dormant crowns or bare roots around mid-October to early December 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

    mid-February to early November UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Keep the planting area weed-free from mid-February 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

    early March to early April UK average · set your town for your exact dates Optional · repeat every 365 days

    Top-dress around the crown from early March to early April with a thick layer of garden compost or a balanced organic fertiliser. This both feeds the plant and acts as a mulch, so repeat it each year at this time.

  5. 05

    Harvest Stems

    late February to early May UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Take a light first harvest from late February to early May once the crown is well established. Pull stems cleanly from the base and leave plenty of foliage to rebuild the plant.

  6. 06

    Clear Dead Foliage

    early October to early November UK average · set your town for your exact dates

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

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.