Plant library
Perennial food
Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Zones 3–8
The first fruit of spring — tangy stalks for pies and sauces, decades of harvests from one planting. One of the easiest perennials for cold zones.
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
moderate
Spacing
36-48 in apart
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained, pH 6.0-6.8
Difficulty
easy
Zones
3–8
When to plant
Mar
Apr
Oct
Timing shifts with your zone — the Genie can pin down exact dates for you.
How to care for it
Plant crowns 3-4 in deep in rich soil; never harvest year one, lightly year two. Split crowns every 5+ years. Remove flower stalks so energy stays in the stalks.
Good companions
Strawberries and brassicas
Harvest
Pull (don't cut) stalks when 10-15 in long; always leave a third of the plant. Leaves are toxic — stalks only.
Want a plan for growing Rhubarb?
Your Genie can give exact timing and care for your zone.
