Planting The best time to plant rhubarb is in early spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground and before much growth has occurred. Dig a hole sufficiently large to accommodate the root and crown. Adequate watering is required during the year of establishment. Cultural Requirements Rhubarb plants respond well to moisture, although reliable yields can be obtained with minimal watering. Fertilizing is not recommended during the year of planting.
Weed control is required to eliminate any competition to the developing crowns.
Care should be exercised not to injure the leaves when tilling. Shallow tillage is essential so as to not injure the crown. In the spring an application of commercial fertilizer is also beneficial. Shallow tillage will incorporate the fertilizer. Remove flower heads as soon as they appear in the spring.