How to Grow Rhubarb in New Zealand
Safety: the leaves are toxic, so only eat the stalks. Plant crowns in winter to early spring for faster establishment and avoid harvesting in the first year. It grows well across NZ, including Auckland, in rich moist soil, though warmer northern stalks tend to be thinner.
When to plant rhubarb in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best rhubarb varieties for NZ
- Victoria — Reliable green-and-red stalked variety, easy from seed or crown. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Glaskins Perpetual — Long-cropping variety with lower oxalic acid, can pick first year. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Moulin Rouge — Deep-red stalked variety with strong colour, grown from crowns. (Kings Plant Barn, local garden centres)
How to grow rhubarb
- Space plants about 90cm apart.
- Sow seed around 5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 365 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow rhubarb near: Strawberry, Beans, Brassicas.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Slugs, Snails. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant rhubarb in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy rhubarb seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds, Kings Plant Barn.