Plant Profile

RhubarbRheum

Perennial stalk vegetable for sunny to semi-shaded locations.

Stalk vegetables Vegetables Buckwheat family

Calendar

Rhubarb: plant portrait. harvest: April - June.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Indoor sowing

Direct sowing outdoors

Planting outdoors

Harvest

Pruning

Indoor sowingDirect sowing outdoorsPlanting outdoorsHarvestPruning

Suitable growing locations:

Outdoor garden bed Raised bed Container

Good neighbors

BrassicasAlliums

Avoid

Sunflowers

Indoor & direct sowing

Rhubarb: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Sowing in pots possible, but division of rootstocks is more common.

Direct sowing outdoors

Direct sowing rarely recommended; young plants preferred.

Seed depth1 - 2 cm

Germination temp15 - 20 °C

Germination time14 - 21 days

Light germinatorNo

Dark germinatorNo

Cold germinatorNo

Stratification neededNo

Pre-soaking recommendedYes

Planting & site

Rhubarb: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Best planting time is early spring or autumn.

Plant spacing100 - 150 cm

Row spacing100 - 150 cm

Plants per m²0.5 - 1 per m²

Bed widthfrom 100 cm

Site & practical notes

Temperature & frost

Rhubarb: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 5 °C

Optimal temperature15 - 22 °C

Max. heatup to 30 °C

Soil temperature12 - 18 °C

Frost sensitiveNo

Late frost sensitiveYes

Heat tolerancemedium

Cold tolerancevery high

Water & nutrients

Rhubarb: Water, nutrients and care

Waterhigh

Critical water phasesSprouting, Leaf development, After harvest

Watering methodWater at the base

Droughthigh

Waterlogging sensitiveYes

Mulching recommendedYes

Nutrient needheavy feeder

Compost recommendedYes

Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container & growth

Rhubarb: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes

Pot sizeVolume: from 40 l; Recommended: from 60 l; Diameter: from 50 cm; Depth: from 50 cm

SupportNo

Height60 - 120 cm

Width100 - 150 cm

Root depth50 - 100 cm

Root spread60 - 100 cm

Yield2 - 5 kg

Year plan

Rhubarb Calendar

Plants

Year overview

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Indoor sowing

Direct sowing outdoors

Planting outdoors

Harvest

Pruning

Recurring tasks

Flower removalMarch - May

Snap off flower stalks deep at the base to save energy for leaf stalks.

Rejuvenation through divisionOctober - November

Divide and replant the crown every 7-10 years.

Relevant now

June

End of harvestbefore June 24th: Stop harvesting to allow the plant to regain strength for next year.

Next up

July

No additional single task

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

Overview

Wind pollination is predominant, though insect visitation is common.

Notes

Pollination is not relevant for stalk harvest, only for seed production.

Pruning & care

Rhubarb Pruning & care

Pruning type

crown-care

Pruning timing

Spring

Flower removal Snap off flower stalks deep at the base to save energy for leaf stalks.

Autumn

Rejuvenation through division Divide and replant the crown every 7-10 years.

Remove

Preserve

Avoid

Tools and hygiene

Clean spade before root division to avoid transferring soil-borne fungi.

Companion guide

Rhubarb Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

BrassicasAlliums

Avoid

Sunflowers

Use & storage

Rhubarb Use & storage

Harvest

Harvest traditionally until St. John's Day (June 24th).

Storage

Short-term (fresh) or long-term storage (frozen/preserved)

Storage life

In the refrigerator about 1 week; frozen up to 12 months.

Flavor

Tart, refreshing, astringent

Harvest

Harvest traditionally until St. John's Day (June 24th).

Processing

After harvest

Remove leaves immediately as they draw moisture from the stalk; keep the stalk base clean.

Edibility & safety

Rhubarb Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Leaf stalks (petioles)

Caution parts:Leaf blades (high oxalic acid content), Rhizome/Rootstock

Raw consumption:Possible in small amounts, but can affect tooth enamel; cooking reduces available oxalic acid.

Safety notes

Leaves are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration. Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June (St. John's Day).

Animal safety

For animals, the specific plant part matters here: some parts may be suitable, while others should be avoided. At least one critical rating is listed for 14 animal types.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog

No suitable parts listed

Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Rhubarb leaves and rhizome contain soluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to dogs. Leaf stalks may be consumed in very small amounts but also contain oxalates and are not suitable as feed.

Open animal page

Cat

No suitable parts listed

Leaf blades, Leaf stalks (petioles)

Risk factors

All plant parts contain soluble calcium oxalates, Oxalic acid levels increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, tremors, salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Rhubarb is toxic to cats due to soluble calcium oxalates in all plant parts. Ingestion can lead to kidney failure.

Open animal page

Rabbit

Leaf stalks (petioles)

Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaves and rhizome contain high concentrations of oxalic acid, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Only the leaf stalks (petioles) are suitable in very small amounts as an occasional treat. Leaf blades and rhizome are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration and can cause kidney failure. Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June.

Open animal page

Guinea pig

Leaf stalks (petioles)

Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaves and rhizome contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Salivation, Tremors, Kidney failure

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Only leaf stalks (petioles) in very small amounts as an occasional treat suitable. Leaf blades and rhizome are toxic due to soluble calcium oxalates. Oxalic acid content increases after St. John's Day. Contact vet if symptoms appear.

Open animal page

Hamster

Blattstiele (Stiele)

Blattspreiten, Wurzelstock

Risk factors

Hoher Oxalsäuregehalt in Blättern, Erhöhter Oxalsäuregehalt in Stielen nach Ende Juni

Symptoms

Nierenversagen, Zittern, Speichelfluss

contact a vet if ingested

No reliable species-specific assessment is available.

Open animal page

Budgie

No suitable parts listed

Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaf blades and rhizome contain high concentrations of oxalic acid, Oxalic acid levels in leaf stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Leaf stalks may be possible in very small amounts, but leaf blades and rhizome are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration. No species-specific data for budgies available; classification based on general plant toxicity and known effects of oxalic acid in birds.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse

No suitable parts listed

Leaf blades, Leaf stalks (petioles)

Risk factors

Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

All aerial parts of rhubarb contain soluble calcium oxalates and are toxic to horses. Leaf blades are particularly hazardous due to high oxalic acid content, but leaf stalks can also be harmful if ingested.

Open animal page

Chicken

Leaf stalks (petioles)

Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Only the leaf stalks of rhubarb are suitable in very small amounts as an occasional treat for chickens. Leaf blades and rhizome/rootstock are toxic due to high oxalic acid content and can cause kidney failure. Oxalic acid concentration in the stalks increases after late June, making even edible parts riskier. Chickens should not have access to toxic plant parts.

Open animal page

Duck

Leaf stalks (petioles), Leaf stalks (stems)

Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Leaves and rhizome/rootstock are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration. Leaf stalks can be given in very small amounts as a treat, but carry a risk with overconsumption. Cooking reduces available oxalic acid but not completely. For ducks, only consumption of leaf stalks in extremely limited amounts is recommended.

Open animal page

Goose

Leaf stalks (petioles) until end of June

Leaf blades (high oxalic acid content), , Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, stalks increase oxalic acid levels after end of June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, tremors, salivation

contact a vet if ingested

['Only leaf stalks until end of June suitable in small amounts as treat. Leaves and rootstock are toxic due to soluble calcium oxalates. Geese should not have access to toxic parts.']

Open animal page

Sheep

Leaf stalks (petioles) until end of June

Leaf blades (high oxalic acid content), Rhizome/Rootstock, Leaf stalks after end of June (high oxalic acid content]

Risk factors

Consumption of leaves or overmature stalks, Pasture access to rhubarb fields, Feeding of garden waste

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Leaves and rhizome are toxic to sheep due to high oxalic acid concentration. Leaf stalks are only suitable in small amounts before end of June; thereafter oxalic acid levels increase significantly and pose kidney risk. No species-specific studies exist, but consensus from animal groups and plant toxicology supports conservative classification.

Open animal page

Goat

Leaf stalks (petioles) until end of June

Leaf blades, Rhizome/Rootstock, Leaf stalks after end of June

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in leaves, Increased oxalic acid in stalks after St. John's Day, Access to wild or cultivated rhubarb

Symptoms

Salivation, Tremors, Kidney damage

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Leaf stalks may be acceptable in small amounts before end of June, but leaves and rootstock are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration. After end of June, oxalic acid levels also rise in stalks, increasing risk. No goat-specific studies available, but consensus from other livestock and known toxin effects supports conservative classification.

Open animal page

Cattle

Leaf stalks (petioles) until end of June

Leaf blades (high oxalic acid content), Rhizome/Rootstock

Risk factors

Leaves contain high oxalic acid concentration, Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Leaves and rhizome are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration. Leaf stalks can be fed in small amounts until end of June, after which risk increases due to rising oxalic acid levels. No specific cattle studies found; classification based on plant general toxicity and known effects in horses and other livestock.

Open animal page

Pig

Leaf stalks (petioles) until end of June

Leaf blades (high oxalic acid content), Rhizome/Rootstock, Leaf stalks after end of June

Risk factors

High oxalic acid content in leaves and stalks after St. John's Day, Rootstock contains high concentrations, Pigs may dig up and consume roots

Symptoms

Kidney failure, Tremors, Salivation

contact a vet if ingested

Leaf stalks are suitable as occasional treats in small amounts before end of June. Leaf blades, rhizome/rootstock, and stalks after end of June are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration. Pigs tend to root and may consume hazardous parts.

Open animal page

These guidelines are for general information only and do not replace veterinary diagnosis. If critical plant parts were ingested or the animal shows unusual behaviour or symptoms, seek veterinary advice.

Max risk

4 / 5

Highest status

toxic

Urgency

contact a vet if ingested

Saving seed

Rhubarb Saving seed

Seed viability

2 - 3 years

Practical tips

Rhubarb Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Planting root buds too deep leads to rot.

Success pattern

Generous compost application in March guarantees thick stalks.

High-impact tips

Mulching with grass clippings holds moisture perfectly.

Grower observations

Plants in semi-shade often produce more tender stalks than those in full sun.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

Health

Pests, Diseases

Deficiencies

Nitrogen deficiency

Pale green to yellow leaves
Stunted growth

Plant health

Diagnosis help

Rhubarb Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Disease groups

Prevention

Diagnosis

Common problems arise from planting too closely or nutrient deficiencies after the harvest season.

Cultural prevention

Monitoring

Regular inspection of leaf undersides in spring

First response

Diagnostic rules

Leaves turn yellow and wilt despite moist soil

Possible causes: Crown Rot (Phytophthora), Nitrogen deficiency

Check base of the crown for rot
Review fertilization history

FAQ

Can you still eat rhubarb after June 24th?

From this point on, oxalic acid levels rise significantly and the plant needs the remaining time to regenerate.

Is Rhubarb safe for Dog?

Rhubarb is classified as toxic for Dog. Risk: 4 / 5. Urgency: contact a vet if ingested. Rhubarb leaves and rhizome contain soluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to dogs. Leaf stalks may be consumed in very small amounts but also contain oxalates and are not suitable as feed.

Is Rhubarb safe for Cat?

Rhubarb is classified as toxic for Cat. Risk: 4 / 5. Urgency: contact a vet if ingested. Rhubarb is toxic to cats due to soluble calcium oxalates in all plant parts. Ingestion can lead to kidney failure.

Is Rhubarb safe for Rabbit?

Rhubarb is classified as do not feed for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if ingested. Only the leaf stalks (petioles) are suitable in very small amounts as an occasional treat. Leaf blades and rhizome are toxic due to high oxalic acid concentration and can cause kidney failure. Oxalic acid levels in stalks increase significantly after late June.

Is Rhubarb safe for Horse?

Rhubarb is classified as toxic for Horse. Risk: 4 / 5. Urgency: contact a vet if ingested. All aerial parts of rhubarb contain soluble calcium oxalates and are toxic to horses. Leaf blades are particularly hazardous due to high oxalic acid content, but leaf stalks can also be harmful if ingested.