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Big leaves, already slowing down for winter, 28 Sept 2026
Rhubarb
Rheum × hybridum
Big rhubarb leaves, starting to yellow as it heads into dormancy. Let it die back naturally, then mulch the crown with compost. Don't pick any stalks in its first year, and never eat the leaves.
Part of the kitchen bed, planted out in spring 2026.
- Common name
- Rhubarb
- Section
- Beds (also in Fruit, veg & herbs)
- Spot
- Garden (kitchen bed)
- Soil
- Garden soil (tbc)
- Options
Potential
A perennial crop for an edible garden, with large leaves also giving it an architectural role.
- From
- Grown on from online plugs, or bought from a local independent garden centre, spring 2026
- Age
- About 2 years
- Next repot
- Not needed: it's in the ground
- Edible
- 🤔 Sort of: The stalks, yes. Never the leaves: they are poisonous.
- Hardy
- ✅ Fully
- Garden-centre price
- about £10
Did you know?
Yorkshire's 'Rhubarb Triangle' grows forced rhubarb in dark sheds by candlelight. It grows so fast you can hear it creak.
Care & updates
- What to expect
- Dormant now; bursts back into growth in spring, with harvests from early summer.
- Feeding
- Every 28 days, Apr–Jul, with Balanced feed, plus a compost mulch in spring
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