When to Plant Rhubarb in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide

Rhubarb

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Rhubarb is a cold-climate perennial grown for its tart, colourful stalks used in pies, crumbles, jams, and sauces. It requires winter chill to break dormancy and performs poorly to dismally in tropical and subtropical Australia. CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Rhubarb leaves contain high concentrations of oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides and are TOXIC. Only the stalks are edible. Never eat the leaves.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 18.9°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

How to Grow Rhubarb in Cold / Highland Australia

When to Plant

Plant crowns July-September as ground thaws. Excellent winter chill ensures strong spring growth.

Soil
Deep, rich, well-drained soil loaded with compost and aged manure. Rhubarb is an extremely heavy feeder. Dig in generous amounts of organic matter before planting.
pH Range
5.5-6.8
Sunlight
Full sun in cool climates. Afternoon shade essential in warm-temperate and marginal zones. 4-6 hours minimum.
Spacing
90cm apart, 120cm between rows
Watering
Deep watering weekly during active growth (spring-autumn). Reduce to minimal in winter dormancy. Consistent moisture prevents stringy stalks. Drought stress causes thin, tough stalks.

Companion plants: Strawberry, Garlic, Onion, Beans, Brassicas

Avoid planting near: Dock (related weed, harbours pests), Rampant ground covers that compete

Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Rhubarb

Recommended Varieties

  • Victoria
  • Silvan Giant
  • Glaskin's Perpetual

Key Challenges

  • Very late spring emergence
  • Short growing season
  • Hard frosts can damage early growth

Pro Tips

  • Superb rhubarb zone despite short season - plants are incredibly vigorous after deep winter chill
  • Protect emerging crowns from late frost with straw cover
  • Glaskin's Perpetual is fast from seed and productive in cold zones

Harvesting Rhubarb

When ready: Stalks 25-40cm long, firm, and well-coloured (red, green, or pink depending on variety). Leaves fully unfurled. Stalks should snap cleanly when pulled.

How to harvest: PULL, do not cut. Grip stalk firmly at base and twist-pull outward with a slight twisting motion. Cutting leaves stubs that can rot and introduce disease to the crown. Remove leaf blade immediately (TOXIC - compost the leaves or discard, they are safe in compost). Never harvest more than one-third of stalks at once.

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