“Can you grow rhubarb here?” For those who have moved from colder climates to the warmer USDA zones, that might be a popular question. Memories of rhubarb pie, jams, and more while growing up back East or in the Midwest might have you hankering for fresh rhubarb. The plant, however, dislikes climates where summers get over 90 degrees on a regular basis. And, it prefers a bit of chill in the winter, as well.

And the short answer is, “yes, you can grow it here,” with a few reservations (you might have to grow it as an annual), as well as some tips for picking the right varieties and getting the seeds to sprout. Today, it's Rhubarb Growing Basics for Warmer Climates.
We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!

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Pictured: “Success” Rhubarb Plant, growing in Sacramento, CA (Photo: Ruth Ostroff)

Links:

Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now!

Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/

Dave Wilson Nursery
HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link)

Other links mentioned in today’s podcast:

Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now!

Book: “Luther Burbank, his Methods and Discoveries”

Rhubarb Seed Catalog: French Harvest

The Great Rhubarb Experiment is On! (CA Rare Fruit Growers, West L.A.)

“Success” Rhubarb seed

Luther Burbank Farm and Gardens, Santa Rosa CA

How to Grow Rhubarb Texas Style, (Texas A&M)

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355 Rhubarb Growing Basics for Warm Climates

Garden Basics with Farmer Fred