Growing Rhubarb in Zone 9B

Rhubarb is one of the few true perennial vegetables, returning every spring for 10-15 years. Patience is required — don’t harvest in year one.

Zone 9B has a very long growing season with mild winters. Many crops can be grown nearly year-round with successive plantings.

Top Growing Tips

• Never eat the leaves — they contain oxalic acid and are toxic
• Do not harvest any stalks the first year; take lightly the second year
• Red varieties tend to be sweeter and less tart than green ones
• Divide clumps every 4-5 years to keep production vigorous
• Mulch heavily in fall to protect the crown over winter

Companion Planting

Good companions: strawberries, garlic, onions

Avoid planting near: dock, knotweed (same family)

Harvest Timeline

Year 3+ — pull stalks when 12-18 inches long; stop harvesting after early summer

About Zone 9B

USDA Hardiness Zone 9B has an average last spring frost around Feb 15 and first fall frost around Dec 10. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.