Where Can I Buy a Rhubarb Plant: Best Places to Find One Near You?
If you’ve ever savored the tangy, vibrant flavor of rhubarb in pies, jams, or desserts, you might be wondering where to find the perfect rhubarb plant to grow in your own garden. Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that not only adds a unique taste to your culinary creations but also brings a splash of greenery and early-season interest to your outdoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, knowing where to buy a rhubarb plant is the first step toward cultivating this versatile and rewarding crop.
Finding a reliable source for rhubarb plants can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially if you’re looking for specific varieties or healthy, established roots. From local nurseries and garden centers to online specialty growers, there are several avenues to explore. Each option offers its own advantages, whether it’s the chance to see the plants in person or the convenience of home delivery. Understanding these choices will help you make an informed decision that suits your gardening needs and climate conditions.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the best places to purchase rhubarb plants, tips for selecting quality specimens, and considerations to keep in mind before planting. With the right guidance, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying fresh rhubarb straight from
Where to Purchase Rhubarb Plants
Finding a healthy rhubarb plant requires sourcing from reputable nurseries or garden centers that specialize in perennials or edible plants. Many local garden centers carry rhubarb during the planting season, typically in early spring or fall. Additionally, several online retailers and mail-order nurseries offer a variety of rhubarb cultivars that can be shipped directly to your home.
When choosing a source, consider the following factors:
- Plant Health: Select nurseries known for quality stock to ensure disease-free and vigorous plants.
- Variety Selection: Look for cultivars suited to your climate and intended use, such as cooking or ornamental purposes.
- Shipping Conditions: If ordering online, verify shipping methods to ensure plants arrive healthy and promptly.
- Customer Support: Reliable sellers often provide growing instructions and after-purchase support.
Recommended Retailers and Nurseries
Several nurseries have earned a strong reputation for their rhubarb offerings. Below is a comparison of popular sources, highlighting their key attributes:
| Retailer | Availability | Varieties Offered | Shipping Options | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stark Bro’s | Spring and Fall | Victoria, Crimson Red, Cherry Red | Standard and Expedited | Growing guides, customer service |
| Burpee | Seasonal | Victoria, MacDonald | Standard | Planting tips, satisfaction guarantee |
| Raintree Nursery | Year-round (mail order) | Canada Red, Valentine, MacDonald | Priority shipping | Expert advice, extensive fruit plant selection |
| Local Cooperative Extension | Seasonal | Regionally recommended varieties | In-person pickup | Regional growing advice |
Buying Tips for Rhubarb Plants
When purchasing rhubarb plants, whether in person or online, keep these practical tips in mind to ensure success:
- Inspect Roots and Crowns: Healthy rhubarb plants should have firm, plump crowns with fleshy roots free from rot or mold.
- Choose Dormant Plants for Shipping: Dormant crowns shipped in fall or early spring tend to establish better than actively growing plants.
- Verify Hardiness Zone Compatibility: Match the plant variety to your USDA hardiness zone to ensure winter survival and optimal growth.
- Ask About Plant Age: One- or two-year-old crowns generally produce better yields and establish more quickly than younger plants.
- Plan for Timing: Purchase rhubarb plants when dormant to reduce transplant shock and encourage root development.
Alternative Sources for Rhubarb Plants
Beyond commercial nurseries, there are alternative ways to acquire rhubarb plants that may suit gardeners looking for unusual varieties or cost-effective options:
- Plant Exchanges and Gardening Clubs: Local gardening groups often hold swaps where you can obtain divisions from experienced growers.
- Farmers Markets: Some small-scale farmers sell rhubarb crowns or starts during the planting season.
- Online Gardening Forums and Marketplaces: Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, or specialized gardening forums may have listings for rhubarb divisions.
- Growing from Seed: Although less common due to slow establishment, rhubarb seeds can be sourced from seed catalogs for experimentation with rare cultivars.
Each alternative source may have varying levels of reliability and quality control, so it is advisable to inquire about the plant’s origin and health prior to purchase.
Considerations When Buying Rhubarb Plants Online
Purchasing rhubarb plants online offers convenience and access to a wider variety of cultivars but requires careful consideration:
- Shipping Timing: Order plants during their dormant season to minimize stress during transit.
- Packaging: Ensure the seller uses moisture-retentive and protective packaging to prevent drying and damage.
- Return Policy: Check if the seller offers replacements or refunds in case of damaged or dead plants.
- Reviews and Ratings: Research customer feedback to gauge the reliability of the nursery or retailer.
- Local Regulations: Be aware of any restrictions on shipping live plants to your state or country.
By adhering to these best practices, gardeners can successfully source rhubarb plants that will thrive in their home gardens.
Where to Purchase Rhubarb Plants
Rhubarb plants can be acquired from a variety of sources, each offering different varieties, qualities, and purchasing experiences. Selecting the right place to buy depends on factors such as your location, preferred plant type, and whether you want a bare root or potted plant.
Here are the primary avenues where rhubarb plants are commonly sold:
- Local Garden Centers and Nurseries
- Most garden centers stock rhubarb plants during the spring planting season.
- Buying locally allows you to assess plant quality firsthand and get expert advice.
- Local varieties suited to your climate are often available.
- Farmers Markets and Plant Sales
- Seasonal markets and community plant sales sometimes feature rhubarb crowns or divisions.
- Purchasing from local growers ensures acclimatized plants.
- Online Nurseries and Seed Catalogs
- Many reputable online suppliers offer rhubarb plants, usually shipped as bare root crowns in early spring or fall.
- Online catalogs provide access to specialty cultivars and heirloom varieties.
- Shipping policies and plant hardiness zones are important considerations.
- Home Improvement Stores
- Large retailers with garden departments often stock rhubarb in season.
- These plants are typically potted and ready for immediate planting.
- Plant Swaps and Gardening Clubs
- Local gardening groups may facilitate exchanges of rhubarb crowns.
- This is a cost-effective way to obtain plants and connect with experienced growers.
Considerations When Buying Rhubarb Plants
Choosing a rhubarb plant involves more than just locating a seller. Several factors impact the success of your rhubarb cultivation:
| Factor | Details | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Rhizomes sold as bare root crowns or potted plants | Bare root crowns are often more economical; potted plants can be planted immediately. |
| Variety | Common cultivars include ‘Victoria’, ‘Canada Red’, and ‘Glaskin’s Perpetual’ | Select based on taste preference, stalk color, and growth habit. |
| Hardiness Zone | Rhubarb thrives in USDA zones 3 through 8 | Ensure the variety is suitable for your climate zone. |
| Plant Health | Look for firm, plump crowns or healthy, green leaves on potted plants | Avoid plants with signs of disease, shriveling, or discoloration. |
| Shipping Time | Bare root plants are shipped during dormancy to reduce stress | Plan delivery to coincide with planting season and inspect upon arrival. |
Recommended Online Retailers for Rhubarb Plants
Purchasing rhubarb online offers convenience and access to a broad range of varieties not always available locally. Below are some reputable online nurseries specializing in rhubarb: