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.
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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)
- Choose a sunny or lightly shaded site
- Dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost
- Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots
- Position the crown with buds just at or slightly above soil level
- 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.