Skip to content
Vegetables

Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable known for its thick, fleshy stalks that are typically red or green. The stalks are tart and are commonly used in pies, jams, and other desserts. Rhubarb is also valued for its ornamental qualities in gardens. It is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperate climates.

Calculate System for Rhubarb
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Rhubarb can be grown from seed or crowns. It is important to avoid harvesting the stalks in the first year to allow the plant to establish. Varieties include 'Victoria', 'Crimson Cherry', and 'Rhubarb Chard'.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can improve soil fertility and structure.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Rhubarb prefers cooler temperatures and can suffer in extreme heat. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Rhubarb Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Rhubarb field.

Open Calculators

Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a versatile and nutritious crop that is popular among home gardeners and commercial farmers alike. It is known for its tart taste and vibrant red stalks, which are commonly used in pies, jams and other culinary creations. In addition to its culinary uses, rhubarb is also a great choice to grow economically…

Read Guide
Newsletter

Stay ahead of the season.

Get irrigation tips, product launches, and exclusive offers — straight to your inbox.

  • Irrigation tips & guides
  • Product announcements
  • Exclusive discounts
  • Early access to new tools

No spam, unsubscribe anytime.