UK sowing calendar
When to sow rhubarb in the UK
Rhubarb sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | n/a |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Nov-Mar (plant crowns) |
| Harvest | Mar/Apr-Jun |
Plant dormant crowns Nov-Mar. Don't pull any stalks in the first year; take only a few in year 2; from year 3 harvest early types from Mar/Apr and maincrop from late Apr/May, stopping by late June. Twist and pull stems rather than cutting.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for rhubarb.
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When to sow rhubarb in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow rhubarb in the UK?
Sow rhubarb outdoors nov-mar (plant crowns). Plant dormant crowns Nov-Mar. Don't pull any stalks in the first year; take only a few in year 2; from year 3 harvest early types from Mar/Apr and maincrop from late Apr/May, stopping by late June. Twist and pull stems rather than cutting.
Can you sow rhubarb outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant rhubarb outdoors nov-mar (plant crowns). Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is rhubarb ready to harvest in the UK?
Rhubarb is typically harvested Mar/Apr-Jun in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow rhubarb?
It depends on the month and your region. Rhubarb has a UK outdoor window of nov-mar (plant crowns); northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.