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The best time to plant rhubarb in Maine is in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.
This usually means late April or early May, depending on where you live in the state.
If you’ve been wondering when to plant rhubarb in Maine, the answer hinges on soil temperature and frost dates.
Planting rhubarb in Maine during this window gives the crowns a chance to establish roots before the heat of summer arrives.
You can also plant rhubarb in Maine in the fall, but spring is the preferred choice for most gardeners.
In this post, we’ll dig into the specifics of when to plant rhubarb in Maine, how to get it right, and what to avoid so your rhubarb thrives for decades.
Let’s get started.
Why Early Spring Is The Best Time To Plant Rhubarb In Maine
Rhubarb is a cool-season perennial, and Maine’s chilly springs are perfect for it.
When to plant rhubarb in Maine really comes down to giving the plant a cold dormancy period followed by cool, moist soil.
Early spring planting allows the crowns to wake up naturally with the soil.
If you plant rhubarb too late, the heat can stress the young roots and slow down establishment.
Here’s why this timing works so well for Maine gardeners.
1. Soil Temperatures Are Ideal
Rhubarb prefers soil temperatures between 40°F and 50°F for root development.
In Maine, those temperatures typically occur in late April, which is the best time to plant rhubarb.
Planting rhubarb in Maine when the soil is still cool helps the crowns settle in without shock.
If you wait until the soil warms above 60°F, the rhubarb may struggle to take root.
Cool soil also reduces the risk of rot, which is a common issue with rhubarb crowns in warm, wet conditions.
2. Frost Is Not a Problem for Rhubarb
Unlike tender vegetables, rhubarb handles frost like a champ.
A light spring frost won’t hurt newly planted rhubarb crowns, which is why you can plant rhubarb in Maine before the last frost date.
In fact, rhubarb needs a chilling period to break dormancy, so cold nights are actually beneficial.
This makes early spring planting in Maine safe, even if snow flurries still appear.
Just keep in mind that the leaf stalks are frost-tolerant, but the buds should stay covered with soil.
3. You Get a Full Growing Season
When you plant rhubarb in Maine in early spring, the plant has the entire season to establish roots.
That first year, you should not harvest any stalks, but the plant will grow strongly underground.
By the second spring, you’ll have a healthy rhubarb patch ready for harvest.
If you plant rhubarb late, you lose valuable weeks of root growth before winter sets in.
So the best time to plant rhubarb in Maine is definitely spring, not summer.
Fall Planting: A Second Option For When To Plant Rhubarb In Maine
While spring is ideal, you can also plant rhubarb in Maine during early fall.
Late August to mid-September works if you want to get a jump on next year.
Fall planting rhubarb in Maine lets the crowns establish roots before the ground freezes.
However, you must plant at least six weeks before the first hard frost.
In northern Maine, that means planting by early September, while southern Maine can push to late September.
The risk with fall planting is that a sudden cold snap can heave the crowns out of the soil.
If you choose fall, apply a thick layer of mulch after the ground freezes to protect the roots.
But for most Maine gardeners, the answer to when to plant rhubarb in Maine remains firmly in spring.
Signs It’s Time To Plant Rhubarb In Maine
How do you know when the soil is ready?
You can plant rhubarb in Maine when the ground is no longer frozen and you can easily dig a hole.
Test by grabbing a handful of soil; it should crumble, not form a soggy ball.
Another sign is when dandelions start blooming, which often coincides with the best time to plant rhubarb.
You can also use a soil thermometer to confirm the temperature is consistently above 40°F.
Once you see these signs, it’s go time for planting rhubarb in Maine.
How To Plant Rhubarb In Maine For Best Results
Timing is half the battle, but proper planting techniques ensure your rhubarb thrives.
Here’s how to plant rhubarb in Maine so it grows into a productive perennial patch.
1. Pick a Sunny, Well-Drained Spot
Rhubarb needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
It also requires soil that drains well because rhubarb roots hate sitting in water.
Raised beds are great options for planting rhubarb in Maine, especially in areas with heavy clay soil.
Test drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water; if it drains within an hour, you’re good.
2. Space Crowns Properly
Rhubarb plants get large, so give them room to spread.
Space each crown at least three feet apart, with rows four feet apart.
Crowding rhubarb leads to poor airflow, which invites fungal diseases.
When you plant rhubarb in Maine, dig a hole that’s wide enough for the roots to spread out naturally.
Set the crown so the buds are just one to two inches below the soil surface.
Planting too deep can rot the crown, while planting too shallow exposes the buds to drying out.
3. Water and Mulch Immediately
After planting rhubarb in Maine, water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, for the first few weeks.
Add a two-inch layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature during cold spring nights in Maine.
Fertilize lightly once new growth appears, using a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10.
4. Avoid Harvesting the First Year
This is the biggest mistake gardeners make when planting rhubarb in Maine.
Let the plant grow untouched for the entire first season.
Harvesting in year one weakens the crown and reduces future yields.
In year two, you can harvest a few stalks, but stop by mid-June.
By year three, you can harvest for about eight to ten weeks each spring.
Common Mistakes When Planting Rhubarb In Maine
Even with perfect timing, mistakes can cost you your rhubarb crop.
Here’s what to watch out for when you plant rhubarb in Maine.
1. Planting in Shaded Areas
Rhubarb won’t grow well in shade, and you’ll get thin, spindly stalks.
Make sure your chosen spot gets full sun, especially in Maine’s shorter spring days.
2. Using Old, Dried-Out Crowns
Fresh, healthy crowns are key to success.
When you plant rhubarb in Maine, buy crowns that are firm and plump, not shriveled.
Dried crowns may not sprout, even with perfect planting conditions.
3. Overwatering After Planting
While rhubarb needs moisture, too much water causes crown rot.
Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
This is especially important in Maine’s rainy spring seasons.
4. Dividing Old Plants Too Late
If you already have rhubarb, divide it in early spring, which is when to plant rhubarb in Maine for divisions.
Dividing in late summer or fall stresses the plant and reduces winter hardiness.
So, When To Plant Rhubarb In Maine?
The best time to plant rhubarb in Maine is early spring, specifically late April to early May.
Plant rhubarb in Maine as soon as the soil is workable and temperatures stay above freezing.
You can also plant rhubarb in Maine in early fall, but spring remains the most reliable option.
By planting rhubarb in Maine at the right time, you give your crowns the best chance to establish strong roots.
Follow the spacing, watering, and mulching tips we covered, and your rhubarb will reward you for years.
So get your gloves ready, and enjoy delicious stalks of rhubarb every Maine spring.