When to Plant Rhubarb in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow August to September. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Rhubarb guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

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.

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - - D D - - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Rhubarb in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Marginal zone. Plant crowns May-July. Choose year-round varieties that do not require deep dormancy. Expect reduced vigour compared to cool-climate growing.

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

Subtropical Growing Tips for Rhubarb

Recommended Varieties

  • Ever Red (year-round type)
  • Wandin Red (year-round type)

Key Challenges

  • Mild winters provide minimal chilling
  • Summer heat and humidity stress plants
  • Crown rot risk high in wet summers
  • Stalks thinner and less colourful than cool-climate production

Pro Tips

  • Year-round varieties (Ever Red, Wandin Red) are the only realistic options
  • Afternoon shade is essential. Morning sun, afternoon protection
  • Raised beds with free-draining mix to prevent crown rot

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.

Common Rhubarb Pests in Subtropical Zones

Fungal Spots and Insect Damage, risk: HIGH (score: 75/100)

Organic prevention: Keep mulch pulled back from crown centre. Water in morning. Remove debris that provides hiding spots.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

What rhubarb costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

The pest most likely to find your rhubarb: Mealybug.

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Common Questions About Rhubarb

When do you plant rhubarb in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does rhubarb grow all year round in Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Aug to Sep. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.