In Alabama, the key to rhubarb success lies in planting during the cooler months when the soil stays consistently moist. Knowing the best time to plant rhubarb in Alabama can mean the difference between a thriving patch and a disappointing failure. Rhubarb is a cool-season crop that struggles in the heat, so timing your planting right is essential for a long-lived perennial harvest.
Unlike many vegetables, rhubarb is not started from seed in most home gardens. Instead, you plant dormant crowns or divisions from an existing plant. The goal is to give the roots time to establish before the Alabama summer heat arrives. This guide will walk you through the exact timing, soil prep, and care needed for rhubarb in the Yellowhammer State.
Best Time To Plant Rhubarb In Alabama
The absolute best window for planting rhubarb in Alabama is from late February through early April. This timing works for most of the state, from the northern counties down to the central regions. In southern Alabama, you can plant a bit earlier, starting in mid-February.
Why this window? Rhubarb needs a period of cold dormancy to produce well. The crowns require at least 500 hours of temperatures below 40°F to break dormancy and grow strong. Alabama’s winters provide this chill naturally, but you must plant early enough so the roots can settle before the heat.
Planting too late in spring means the young plants will face stress from rising temperatures. If you wait until May, the soil is already warm, and the rhubarb may bolt or fail to establish. Stick to the late winter to early spring window for the best results.
Understanding Alabama’s Climate Zones
Alabama spans USDA hardiness zones 7a in the north to 8b in the south. This affects your planting calendar. In zone 7a (northern Alabama, near Huntsville), plant in early to mid-March. In zone 8a (central Alabama, around Birmingham), late February to mid-March works well. In zone 8b (southern Alabama, near Mobile), you can plant as early as mid-February.
Check your local frost dates. Rhubarb crowns can handle light frosts, so you don’t need to wait until the last frost. In fact, a little frost after planting helps the roots settle. Just avoid planting during a hard freeze when the ground is frozen solid.
Why Fall Planting Is Not Recommended
Some gardeners think about planting rhubarb in the fall. In Alabama, this is risky. Fall-planted rhubarb may not have enough time to establish before winter dormancy. The young roots can heave out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles. Also, fall-planted crowns often produce weak growth the following spring.
Stick to late winter or early spring. This gives the rhubarb a full growing season to develop a strong root system before the next winter. The plant will be better prepared to handle Alabama’s hot summers.
Preparing The Soil For Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a heavy feeder and needs rich, well-draining soil. Before planting, test your soil pH. Rhubarb prefers a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. If your soil is too acidic, add lime a few months before planting. If it’s too alkaline, sulfur can help lower the pH.
Choose a spot that gets full sun for at least six hours a day. In Alabama’s hot summers, some afternoon shade is okay, but morning sun is best. Avoid low areas where water pools, as rhubarb hates wet feet.
Work the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches. Mix in plenty of organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage and adds nutrients. Rhubarb grows best in soil that is loose and fertile.
Steps For Planting Rhubarb Crowns
- Dig a hole about 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
- Place the crown in the hole with the buds facing upward.
- Cover the crown with only 1 to 2 inches of soil. Do not bury it deep.
- Space multiple crowns 3 to 4 feet apart. Rhubarb gets large.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
- Add a 2-inch layer of mulch around the plant, but keep it away from the crown.
Do not fertilize at planting time. Wait until the plant shows new growth in spring. Then apply a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at a rate of 1/2 cup per plant. Repeat this feeding in early summer.
Caring For Rhubarb Through The Seasons
Once planted, rhubarb needs consistent moisture. In Alabama, spring rains usually provide enough water. But if a dry spell hits, water deeply once a week. Aim for 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season.
Weeds compete with rhubarb for nutrients. Keep the bed weed-free by hand pulling or using a light mulch. Avoid deep cultivation near the crown, as rhubarb roots are shallow and easily damaged.
In the first year, do not harvest any stalks. Let the plant grow freely to build energy for the next season. This is hard for impatient gardeners, but it pays off with stronger plants later.
Harvesting Rhubarb In Alabama
You can start harvesting in the second year. In Alabama, the harvest window is usually from April through June. Pick stalks that are at least 12 inches long and firm. Grasp the stalk near the base and pull it gently sideways. Do not cut the stalks, as this can leave stubs that rot.
Never harvest more than one-third of the stalks at a time. Leave at least 6 to 8 stalks on the plant to keep it healthy. Stop harvesting by mid-summer when the weather gets hot. The plant needs its leaves to store energy for next year.
Remove any flower stalks as soon as they appear. Flowering diverts energy from the roots and reduces future harvests. Just snap them off at the base.
Dealing With Alabama’s Summer Heat
Rhubarb is not a fan of Alabama’s hot summers. The plant may go dormant when temperatures consistently exceed 85°F. This is normal. The leaves may yellow and die back. Do not panic.
To help the plant survive, keep a thick layer of mulch around the base. This keeps the soil cool and retains moisture. Water during dry spells, but reduce watering as the plant goes dormant. Overwatering in summer can cause root rot.
Some gardeners use shade cloth to protect rhubarb from the afternoon sun. A 30% to 50% shade cloth can lower the temperature around the plant by several degrees. This can extend the growing season a bit.
Dividing And Propagating Rhubarb
Every 4 to 5 years, divide your rhubarb plants to keep them productive. The best time to divide is in early spring, just as new growth appears. Dig up the entire crown and use a sharp spade to split it into sections. Each section should have at least one bud and a good root system.
Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth as the original plant. Water them well. Dividing rejuvenates the plant and gives you more rhubarb for your garden or to share with friends.
Do not divide in the fall in Alabama. The divisions may not establish before winter. Stick to early spring for the best success.
Common Rhubarb Problems In Alabama
Rhubarb is generally low-maintenance, but a few issues can arise. Crown rot is the most common problem. It happens when the soil is too wet or the crown is planted too deep. Always plant with the crown slightly above soil level and ensure good drainage.
Leaf spot and powdery mildew can appear in humid Alabama summers. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Remove and discard affected leaves. Do not compost them.
Slugs and snails love rhubarb leaves. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth around the plants. Hand pick them at night if the infestation is small.
Pests To Watch For
- Slugs and snails: They chew holes in leaves.
- Aphids: They suck sap and can spread viruses.
- Rhubarb curculio: A small beetle that attacks stalks.
- Japanese beetles: They skeletonize leaves in summer.
Most pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Always follow label directions. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that kill beneficial insects.
Varieties Of Rhubarb For Alabama
Not all rhubarb varieties perform well in Alabama’s climate. Choose varieties that are heat-tolerant and disease-resistant. Here are some top picks:
- Victoria: An old standard that does well in the South. It has thick, green stalks with a hint of red.
- Canada Red: A red-stalked variety that is sweet and heat-tolerant.
- Valentine: Another red variety that holds up well in warm weather.
- Riverside Giant: A large-stalked variety that is vigorous and productive.
Avoid varieties that are bred for cold climates, like ‘Crimson Cherry’. They may not survive Alabama’s summers. Stick to the ones listed above for the best results.
Where To Buy Rhubarb Crowns
You can find rhubarb crowns at local nurseries in Alabama during late winter. Big box stores often carry them in early spring. Online retailers like Burpee, Gurney’s, and Stark Bro’s ship to Alabama. Order early, as popular varieties sell out fast.
Check with your local extension office for recommendations. They may know of local growers who sell divisions. Buying locally ensures the plants are adapted to your area.
Growing Rhubarb In Containers
If you have limited space or poor soil, grow rhubarb in a large container. Use a pot that is at least 18 inches deep and 24 inches wide. Fill it with a mix of potting soil and compost.
Container-grown rhubarb needs more frequent watering. Check the soil daily during hot weather. Move the pot to a shaded spot during the hottest part of the day to prevent overheating.
Fertilize container rhubarb every 4 to 6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Divide and repot every 3 to 4 years to keep the plant healthy.
Rhubarb Companion Plants
Planting rhubarb near certain crops can help deter pests and improve growth. Good companions include:
- Beans: They fix nitrogen in the soil.
- Cabbage family: Rhubarb repels cabbage worms.
- Garlic and onions: They deter aphids and slugs.
- Strawberries: They grow well together and share similar soil needs.
Avoid planting rhubarb near potatoes or cucumbers. They compete for nutrients and may attract similar pests.
Using Rhubarb In The Kitchen
Rhubarb is tart and versatile. Use it in pies, crisps, jams, and sauces. It pairs well with strawberries, apples, and ginger. Remember that only the stalks are edible. The leaves contain oxalic acid and are toxic.
Harvested stalks keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for later use. Just wash, chop, and pack them in freezer bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant rhubarb in the fall in Alabama?
Fall planting is not recommended in Alabama. The young plants may not establish before winter and can heave out of the ground. Stick to late winter or early spring.
How long does rhubarb take to grow in Alabama?
From planting a crown, you can expect a small harvest in the second year. Full production starts in the third year. Each plant can produce for 10 to 15 years with proper care.
What is the best rhubarb variety for hot climates?
Victoria, Canada Red, and Valentine are good choices for Alabama. They tolerate heat better than many other varieties.
Do I need to chill rhubarb crowns before planting?
No, the natural winter chill in Alabama is enough. Just plant them at the right time, and they will break dormancy naturally.
Can rhubarb grow in partial shade in Alabama?
Yes, but it will produce fewer stalks. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in hot areas.
Final Tips For Rhubarb Success
Rhubarb is a rewarding perennial that can provide harvests for over a decade. The key is getting the planting time right. Remember, the best time to plant rhubarb in Alabama is late winter to early spring, when the soil is cool and moist.
Prepare your soil well, choose a heat-tolerant variety, and be patient in the first year. With a little care, you will have plenty of stalks for pies and jams every spring. Happy gardening in Alabama.