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The best time to plant rhubarb in MN is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, typically from late April through mid-May.
When you plant rhubarb in MN during this window, the crowns have a chance to establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives.
This timing is crucial because rhubarb is a cool-season perennial that actually prefers the brisk Minnesota spring over the hot summer months.
Figuring out when to plant rhubarb in MN isn’t complicated, but getting the timing right will make a world of difference for your harvest.
In this post, we’ll break down the best planting windows, how to get your rhubarb off to a great start, and what to expect after you plant rhubarb in MN.
Let’s dig in.
When to Plant Rhubarb in MN: The Ideal Window
When it comes to when to plant rhubarb in MN, the rule of thumb is to get those crowns in the ground as early as possible in the spring.
You want to plant rhubarb in MN right after the soil thaws and dries out enough to be workable, which is often a few weeks before the last expected frost.
In most of Minnesota, that ideal window falls between mid-April and mid-May, depending on where you live in the state.
Northern Minnesota gardeners might need to wait until early May, while those in the southern part of the state can often plant rhubarb in MN as early as late April.
The key is that rhubarb crowns are hardy and can handle a light frost, so you don’t need to wait for the danger of frost to pass.
In fact, planting rhubarb in MN during this cooler period helps the plant focus its energy on root development rather than struggling with heat stress.
Spring Planting is the Best Bet
Spring is unambiguously the best time to plant rhubarb in MN for most home gardeners.
When you plant rhubarb in MN in early spring, you’re mimicking its natural growth cycle, which kicks off as soon as the ground begins to warm.
This timing gives the plant a full season to establish itself before winter sets in.
If you plant rhubarb in MN too late in the spring, like in June, the young plants may struggle with heat and dry soil.
So, the earlier you can plant rhubarb in MN, the better your chances of a healthy, productive plant in the years to come.
Can You Plant Rhubarb in MN in the Fall?
While spring is the standard answer for when to plant rhubarb in MN, some gardeners wonder about fall planting.
You can technically plant rhubarb in MN in the fall, but it’s riskier than spring planting.
If you choose to plant rhubarb in MN in September, the crowns might not have enough time to establish strong roots before the ground freezes.
The harsh Minnesota winter can heave young plants out of the ground if they aren’t well-rooted, which can be fatal.
So, while fall planting is possible, the safest and most reliable answer to when to plant rhubarb in MN is definitely the early spring.
How to Plant Rhubarb in MN for Success
Once you’ve figured out when to plant rhubarb in MN, you need to make sure you do it right.
Proper planting technique ensures your rhubarb gets off to a strong start and lives for decades.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to plant rhubarb in MN successfully.
1. Choose the Right Location
Before you plant rhubarb in MN, pick a spot that gets full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
Rhubarb can tolerate a bit of partial shade, but full sun produces the best stalks.
Make sure the location has well-draining soil because rhubarb crowns will rot in soggy, waterlogged ground.
Also, consider that rhubarb is a perennial, so you’ll be planting it in a spot where it will stay for many years.
Give it plenty of space to spread out, as mature plants can get quite large.
2. Prepare the Soil
Once you’re ready to plant rhubarb in MN, take the time to enrich the soil.
Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to a depth of about 12 inches.
Rhubarb thrives in rich, organic soil that retains moisture but still drains well.
A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, is ideal when you plant rhubarb in MN.
You can also mix in a balanced slow-release fertilizer at planting time to give it a nutrient boost.
3. Plant the Crowns Properly
When you plant rhubarb in MN, dig a hole that’s wide enough to accommodate the crown’s roots without crowding them.
Place the crown in the hole so that the buds are about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface.
Be careful not to plant rhubarb in MN too deeply, as this can cause the crown to rot.
Conversely, planting too shallowly can expose the buds to drying winds and frost.
After planting, water the crown thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Space multiple plants about 3 to 4 feet apart to give them room to grow.
4. Water and Mulch
Right after you plant rhubarb in MN, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
A layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, will help retain soil moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Mulch also helps regulate soil temperature, which is beneficial for young rhubarb plants.
Just make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the crown to prevent rot.
What to Expect After You Plant Rhubarb in MN
After you plant rhubarb in MN, you’ll be eager to see growth, but patience is key.
In the first year, the plant will focus on establishing its root system rather than producing large stalks.
Here’s what to expect in the following seasons.
The First Year: Let It Establish
For the first growing season after you plant rhubarb in MN, resist the urge to harvest any stalks.
The plant needs all its energy to develop a robust root system that will support it for years.
You might see a few thin stalks appear, but it’s best to let them grow and die back naturally.
This first year of patience sets the stage for a bountiful harvest in the future.
The Second Year: Light Harvesting
In the second spring after you plant rhubarb in MN, you can start harvesting lightly.
Take only a few stalks from each plant, leaving at least half of the stalks to keep the plant healthy.
This light harvest allows the plant to continue growing strong.
The Third Year and Beyond: Full Harvest
By the third year after you plant rhubarb in MN, your plant should be mature enough for a full harvest.
You can harvest stalks from early spring through early summer, typically for about 8 to 10 weeks.
Stop harvesting by mid-summer to allow the plant to store energy for the next season.
A healthy rhubarb plant can produce for 10 to 15 years, providing you with plenty of pies, jams, and sauces.
So, When to Plant Rhubarb in MN?
When to plant rhubarb in MN is in the early spring, from late April to mid-May.
Planting rhubarb in MN during this cool, moist period gives the crowns the best chance to establish strong roots before summer.
You can plant rhubarb in MN just as soon as the ground thaws and is workable, even if a light frost is still possible.
This early spring timing is by far the most reliable way to plant rhubarb in MN, ensuring you’ll be rewarded with a long-lived, productive plant.
So mark your calendar for next spring, prepare your soil, and get ready to plant rhubarb in MN for a delicious harvest in the years ahead.