Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum · Rhubarb · Knotweed family
Also known as: Garden Rhubarb
Very easy60–120cmNot pet-safeEdible
Rhubarb care at a glance
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) needs a lot of water and prefers to grow in full sun. Ideal temperature: 10–24 °C.
- Water need
- High
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Nutrients
- High
- Ideal temperature
- 10–24 °C
- Life cycle
- Perennial
Pests, Diseases, Toxicity & Weather on Rhubarb
Possible pests on Rhubarb include Slugs and snails. A common disease is Phytophthora root and crown rot. Also possible: Leaf spot. Rhubarb is highly toxic to cats, dogs and humans. Mainly leaves, roots and tubers are toxic, while stems can be eaten.
Pest
- Slugs and snails Medium
Disease
- Phytophthora root and crown rot High
- Leaf spot Low
Toxicity
- Soluble oxalates / oxalic acid High
Weather
- Bolting Medium
- Lack of winter chill Medium
A baseline from curated sources, not a command. You decide in the end.
Frequently asked questions about Rhubarb
- Which pests affect Rhubarb?
- Possible pests on Rhubarb include Slugs and snails.
- Which diseases affect Rhubarb?
- A common disease is Phytophthora root and crown rot. Also possible: Leaf spot.
- Is Rhubarb toxic to cats and dogs?
- Rhubarb is highly toxic to cats, dogs and humans. Mainly leaves, roots and tubers are toxic, while stems can be eaten.
- How much water does Rhubarb need?
- Rhubarb has a high water requirement.
- What light does Rhubarb need?
- Rhubarb prefers to grow in full sun. Around 6 hours of light per day is ideal.
- Is Rhubarb frost-hardy?
- Rhubarb is frost-hardy and tolerates frost. Its lower limit is around -34 °C.
- Can you eat Rhubarb?
- Yes, the edible parts are mainly: stems. Other parts (leaves, roots and tubers) are toxic, though.