What it is
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is in the Polygonaceae (Knotweed) family. A tart perennial stalk for pies — challenging in Texas heat, best in cooler microclimates or as a cool-season trial.
How to grow it
It wants full sun to part shade, water it even, and give it rich, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–6.8. Space plants about 36 in apart. Expect roughly Year 2+. Cool-climate perennial (tricky in TX).
How it's used
Rhubarb is used: cooked stalks (pies, sauce).
🔎 How to identify it
- Huge crinkled leaves
- Thick red/green stalks
- Crown-forming
Edibility
PartsStalks ONLY
UsesCooked stalks (pies, sauce)
CautionLeaves are toxic (oxalic acid) — never eat them.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.