Growing Rhubarb on an Allotment

Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that can crop reliably for 10–15 years with minimal fuss. Once established, it’s one of the earliest and most generous harvests on the allotment. While most gardeners grow rhubarb from crowns or plug plants for speed and reliability, it can also be grown from seed with patience.

This guide covers how to grow rhubarb from seed and plug plants, when to plant, spacing, watering and feeding, pests and diseases, container vs ground growing, and proven ways to improve yields.

🌱 1. Types of Rhubarb You Can Grow

🍓 Early / Forcing Varieties

• Crop earlier in spring

• Excellent for forcing

• Tender, sweet stems

🌿 Maincrop Varieties

• Heavier yields

• Longer harvest season

• Best for general use

🌱 Seed-Grown Rhubarb

• Variable colour and vigour

• Slower to crop

• Useful for experimentation

(All types are grown in the same way once established.)

🌰 2. Ways to Grow Rhubarb

From Crowns / Plug Plants (Recommended)

The most reliable and popular method.

Pros

• Faster establishment

• Crops sooner (often year 2)

• True to variety

Cons

• Higher upfront cost

From Seed

Less common, but possible.

Pros

• Cheap

• Fun to grow

Cons

• Takes longer to crop (2–3 years)

• Variable results

👉 For most allotments, crowns or plugs are best.

🗓️ 3. When to Plant Rhubarb

Crowns & Plug Plants

• Best time: Autumn (Oct–Nov)

• Alternative: Early spring (Feb–March)

From Seed

• Sow indoors: Feb–March

• Transplant: Late spring

Rhubarb is very hardy and tolerates frost well.

🌾 4. How to Grow Rhubarb in the Ground

Soil & Position

• Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil

• Open, sunny or lightly shaded position

• Plenty of compost or well-rotted manure

Rhubarb dislikes waterlogged soil.

Spacing (Very Important)

• Between plants: 90–100cm

• Between rows: 100cm

Crowding causes:

• thin stems

• reduced vigour

• disease

Planting Depth

• Crown buds should sit just at or slightly above soil level

• Water well after planting

🪴 5. Growing Rhubarb in Containers

Rhubarb can be grown in containers, though yields are smaller.

Container Guidelines

• Minimum size: 40–50 litres

• One plant per container

• Rich, moisture-retentive compost

Container-grown plants need regular feeding and watering.

💧 6. Watering Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a thirsty plant, especially during active growth.

Best Practice

• Water deeply during dry spells

• Focus on spring and early summer

• Mulch to conserve moisture

Drought stress leads to:

• thin stems

• reduced harvest

🌿 7. Feeding Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a heavy feeder.

Feeding Schedule

• Add compost/manure in autumn

• Mulch heavily in spring

• Optional liquid feed during active growth

Well-fed plants produce thicker, juicier stems.

🐛 8. Common Pests & Diseases

Slugs & Snails

• Attack young shoots

Control

• Clear debris

• Improve airflow

Crown Rot

Symptoms

• Soft, collapsing crown

• Poor regrowth

Prevention

• Free-draining soil

• Avoid burying crown too deeply

Leaf Spot

• Brown spots on leaves

Remove affected leaves and improve airflow.

✂️ 9. Harvesting Rhubarb (Critical Rules)

When to Harvest

• Do not harvest in the first year

• Light harvest in year two

• Full harvest from year three onwards

How to Harvest

• Pull stems gently from the base (don’t cut)

• Harvest up to one-third of stems at a time

Stop Harvesting

• By early summer (June) to allow plant to recharge

⚠️ Leaves are poisonous — never eat them.

🌾 10. Improving Rhubarb Yields

• Plenty of space

• Heavy mulching

• Regular feeding

• Controlled harvesting

• Dividing crowns every 5–7 years

Rhubarb rewards long-term care, not frequent disturbance.

⚡ Quick Rhubarb Growing Tips

• Autumn planting gives best results

• Mulch generously every year

• Stop harvesting early to maintain vigour

• Remove flower stalks promptly

🧠 Key Rhubarb Principles

• Space and feeding are crucial

• Never overharvest

• Moist soil = thick stems

• Long-lived plants reward patience

Photo by Jael Coon on Unsplash