Rhubarb

Family: Amaranthaceae Leafy Green

Silky, jewel-toned stalks rise with a cool, crisp snap—deep ruby red that fades to rosy highlights as they mature.

Rhubarb’s leaves are broad and substantial, offering a lush, slightly mineral bite that shines in bold, simmered preparations and bright, quick sauces. Grow it for generous harvests from a sturdy, rooted crown, then enjoy the tender stalk texture that turns richly colored and beautifully fragrant as it settles into its 60-day rhythm.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Rhubarb’s jewel-tinted stalks are all about that bright, mouth-puckering bite that softens into jammy tenderness without disappearing. Use it hot and fast—macerate or reduce—so you get a thick, spoon-coating sauce instead of watery strands.

Best Uses

quick maceration for compote that stays glossy
stewed filling for pies and crumbles where the fibers hold together
hot sauce reduction for spooning over yogurt or custard
roasted batons with a crack of salt to tame sharpness

Flavor Profile

tart, cranberry-like acidity crisp snap to tender chew when cooked earthy, faintly mineral finish floral-vanilla fragrance as it stews

Kitchen Pairings

strawberry ginger vanilla honey orange cream or crème fraîche

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Beta vulgaris var. cicla (rhubarb/chard-type plants), and what should I do if I see it?

Watch for Cercospora leaf spot—gray centers with reddish-brown halos on older leaves. Remove affected leaves immediately, keep the plant bed weed-free, and water at the soil line (not from above) to reduce leaf wetness. If spots keep spreading, switch to a protectant fungicide labeled for leaf-spot diseases on edible greens and start applications early in new growth.

How often should I water Beta vulgaris var. cicla during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During active leaf/stalk growth, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—about 1 inch of water per week split across several waterings in hot weather. Aim for evenly damp soil to a depth of 6–8 inches, and avoid letting the root zone dry out completely because stalks become thinner and tougher. Mulch after plants are established to steady moisture and reduce day-to-day swings.

How can I tell when Beta vulgaris var. cicla is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting around 60 days after sowing when stalks are thick enough to hold and the plants have a full crown. Harvest by cutting individual outer stalks at the base rather than pulling, and leave the inner stalks to continue building size. Stop harvesting once stalk growth slows or temperatures rise for the season to prevent quality decline.