Rhubarb Crowns: What They Are, When to Plant & How to Grow Them

Rhubarb crowns are the most common and reliable way to grow rhubarb. Sold dormant and bare-root, they establish quickly and produce strong plants that can crop for many years when planted correctly.

This guide explains what rhubarb crowns are, when to plant them, how to choose good ones, and how to care for them

⭐ Recommended Products — 🌱 Rhubarb & Growing Essentials

Rhubarb is a hardy, productive perennial that’s great for desserts, compotes, and early spring harvests. These essentials will help you grow it successfully and enjoy its harvest year after year.

• Rhubarb Crowns / Plants
Established rhubarb crowns are the easiest way to start — strong plants ready to go in the ground or large containers. Look for reliable varieties like Victoria or Crimson King.
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• Rhubarb Forcers
Special covers used in early spring to ‘force’ tender, pale stems sooner than usual — perfect if you want early harvests and sweeter stalks.
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• Rhubarb Seeds & Starter Kits
If you prefer growing from seed, seed packs with quality varieties give you a head start — ideal for sowing under cover before transplanting later.
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• Garden Compost / Soil Improver for Rhubarb
Rich, well-drained compost or well-rotted manure helps rhubarb establish strong roots and produce big, healthy stems year after year.
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• Rhubarb Growing Guide & Plant Care Book
A helpful reference on planting, forcing, feeding, and harvesting — great for beginners or anyone wanting bigger yields.
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🌱 What Are Rhubarb Crowns?

A rhubarb crown is the dormant root system of a rhubarb plant. It includes:

• Thick roots
• One or more visible buds (growing points)

Once planted, these buds produce new shoots and stalks in spring.

Crowns are preferred over seed because they:

• Grow faster
• Are true to variety
• Produce harvestable plants sooner

📅 When to Buy and Plant Rhubarb Crowns

Best Times

• Autumn: October–November (ideal)
• Late winter to early spring: February–March

Plant crowns while dormant for the best establishment. Avoid frozen or waterlogged ground.

🛒 What to Look for When Buying Rhubarb Crowns

Choose crowns that are:

• Firm and heavy for their size
• Free from mould or rot
• With visible buds or growth points

Avoid crowns that are soft, shrivelled, or smell unpleasant.

🌿 How to Plant Rhubarb Crowns (Summary)

1. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded site
2. Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost
3. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots
4. Position the crown with buds just at or slightly above soil level
5. Backfill, firm gently, and water well

Space plants 75–90cm (30–36 inches) apart.

🌱 Aftercare for Rhubarb Crowns

First Year

• Do not harvest stalks
• Allow leaves to grow freely
• Remove flower stalks if they appear
• Keep soil moist and weed-free

This helps the plant build strength.

Ongoing Care

• Mulch annually with compost or manure
• Water during dry spells
• Stop harvesting by late June
• Remove dead foliage in autumn

Well-cared-for plants can crop for 10–15 years or more.

❄️ Winter Care

Rhubarb crowns are hardy:

• Foliage dies back naturally
• Crowns remain dormant underground
• A winter mulch protects and feeds the plant

Cold winters help trigger strong spring growth.

🧠 Common Questions About Rhubarb Crowns

How long before I can harvest?
Light harvesting from the second year after planting.

Can rhubarb crowns be grown in pots?
Yes, but use a very large, deep container and feed regularly.

Can I divide old rhubarb crowns?
Yes. Mature plants can be lifted and divided in autumn or early spring.

How many stalks should I take?
Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting the crown too deep
• Harvesting in the first year
• Poor drainage
• Crowding plants
• Forgetting to feed annually

Avoiding these mistakes ensures long-term success.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Rhubarb crowns are the best way to establish strong, long-lasting rhubarb plants. Easy to plant and simple to care for, they reward patience with heavy crops year after year.

A classic perennial worth the space.