Variety traits

Winter Hardiness of Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum L.

The winter hardiness of rhubarb is determined by the rhizome's ability to enter deep dormancy and withstand temperatures below -20 °C. It is important for the plant not only to endure frost but also to complete a dormancy period at temperatures below 4–5 °C to stimulate spring growth.

In the reference 4 varieties crop Rhubarb, where this is mentioned in the description.

Rhubarb is classified as a fully winter-hardy perennial, corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 3–8 and the RHS H6–H7 scale. The primary method of assessment is assignment to hardiness zones, with soil drainage being critical for successful overwintering, as the crop is susceptible to rot when water stagnates in the root crown area.

Unlike many field crops, the focus for rhubarb often shifts to its chilling requirement: the plant needs temperatures below 4–5 °C to break dormancy. Winter hardiness ensures the early awakening of rhizome buds in the spring, which allows the crop to be grown in the same location for up to 10 years, even in regions with harsh winters.

General information about the subject — on the page Winter hardiness.

Sources8

Varieties of Rhubarb mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.