Where Can I Buy a Rhubarb Plant Near Me?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

If you’ve ever savored the tangy, vibrant flavor of rhubarb in pies, jams, or desserts, you might be inspired to grow your own at home. But before you can enjoy the fresh stalks straight from your garden, the first step is finding the right rhubarb plant to cultivate. Knowing where to buy rhubarb plants can make all the difference in successfully growing this unique perennial that thrives in cooler climates and rewards gardeners with its early spring harvest.

Finding a quality rhubarb plant involves more than just a quick trip to any garden center. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, understanding the best sources for healthy, vigorous rhubarb crowns or starter plants ensures you set yourself up for success. From local nurseries to online specialty growers, the options vary widely, each with its own advantages and considerations.

In this article, we’ll explore the most reliable places to purchase rhubarb plants, helping you make an informed choice that suits your gardening needs and location. With the right start, you’ll soon be nurturing a thriving rhubarb patch that adds both beauty and flavor to your outdoor space.

Popular Retailers for Purchasing Rhubarb Plants

When seeking to purchase rhubarb plants, several reputable retailers offer a wide selection of varieties suitable for different climates and garden types. Many gardeners prefer to buy from specialized nurseries or garden centers to ensure the plants are healthy and well-suited to their local growing conditions.

Local garden centers typically stock rhubarb crowns or young plants during the spring planting season. These establishments provide the advantage of in-person inspection, allowing buyers to assess plant vigor and freshness. Additionally, staff can often provide expert advice on planting and care specific to the region.

For gardeners who prefer shopping online, numerous nurseries and seed companies ship rhubarb plants or crowns directly to the home. Online retailers often offer a broader selection of rhubarb varieties, including heirloom and hybrid types, which may not be available in local stores.

Key points when selecting a retailer include:

  • Checking for plant health guarantees or return policies
  • Confirming the shipping season aligns with planting times
  • Reading customer reviews to assess service quality
  • Ensuring the retailer provides detailed planting and care instructions

Specialized Online Nurseries and Seed Companies

Several online nurseries are renowned for their focus on rhubarb and perennial vegetables. These specialized suppliers often provide detailed descriptions of each variety, including flavor profile, growth habit, and disease resistance.

Some notable online sources include:

  • Territorial Seed Company
  • Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
  • Stokes Seeds
  • Raintree Nursery

These suppliers typically ship dormant rhubarb crowns in late winter or early spring, ensuring the plants arrive in a rest state optimal for planting. Many also offer companion planting guides and organic cultivation tips.

Comparison of Popular Rhubarb Plant Suppliers

Supplier Plant Types Offered Shipping Season Customer Support Price Range (per crown)
Territorial Seed Company Heirloom, hybrid varieties Late winter to early spring Phone and email support $6 – $12
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Rare and heirloom varieties Early spring Email support, extensive FAQ $7 – $15
Stokes Seeds Standard and specialty varieties Late winter to spring Phone and online chat $5 – $10
Raintree Nursery Organic and heirloom rhubarb Early spring Email and phone support $8 – $14

Local Farmers Markets and Plant Sales

Another excellent source for rhubarb plants can be local farmers markets and community plant sales. These venues often feature vendors who propagate rhubarb from local stock, ensuring plants are acclimated to the region’s soil and climate. Purchasing from such sources supports local agriculture and provides an opportunity to gather firsthand growing advice.

Community gardening groups and cooperative extensions frequently hold plant exchanges or sales in spring. These events can be valuable for acquiring rhubarb varieties with proven performance in the area.

Considerations When Buying Rhubarb Plants

When selecting rhubarb plants, whether from retail nurseries, online sources, or local markets, keep in mind several factors to ensure successful cultivation:

  • Plant Condition: Look for firm crowns without signs of disease or rot. Avoid plants with yellowing or wilted leaves.
  • Variety Selection: Choose a variety suited to your climate zone and intended use (e.g., sweeter stalks for desserts or more robust types for cooking).
  • Quantity: Rhubarb crowns are usually sold individually or in multiples; consider spacing requirements and garden size when purchasing.
  • Shipping and Handling: For online orders, verify that the plants will be shipped dormant and during an appropriate planting window to minimize stress.
  • Soil and Site Preparation: Ensure your garden site has well-drained, fertile soil with ample sunlight to support healthy rhubarb growth.

By carefully selecting your source and considering these factors, you can establish a thriving rhubarb patch that will provide fresh stalks for many seasons.

Where To Buy Rhubarb Plant

Finding a quality rhubarb plant requires selecting reputable sources that provide healthy, disease-free stock suited to your growing zone. Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that thrives in cooler climates, so it is important to choose varieties and plants appropriate for your region. Below are the primary options for purchasing rhubarb plants, along with key considerations for each.

Local Nurseries and Garden Centers

Local nurseries often carry rhubarb plants during the early spring season. Visiting in person allows you to inspect the plant’s health before purchase and receive expert advice on cultivation specific to your area.

  • Advantages: Immediate availability, personalized guidance, and supporting local businesses.
  • Considerations: Limited variety selection; availability may depend on the season.
  • Tips: Look for firm crowns with healthy, unblemished stalks and no signs of mold or rot.

Online Plant Retailers

Online nurseries offer a wider selection of rhubarb varieties and often ship dormant crowns or young plants nationwide. This option is convenient if local sources are unavailable or lack variety.

Retailer Plant Type Shipping Season Notable Varieties
Stark Bro’s Dormant crowns Early spring ‘Victoria’, ‘Canada Red’
Burpee Young plants and crowns Spring ‘Crimson Red’, ‘Valentine’
Renee’s Garden Seed and crowns Spring ‘Victoria’, ‘Timperley Early’
Park Seed Crowns Spring ‘Victoria’
  • Advantages: Access to rare or heirloom varieties, convenient ordering.
  • Considerations: Shipping stress on plants, require proper planting upon arrival.
  • Tips: Purchase dormant crowns rather than actively growing plants for better shipping survival.

Farmers Markets and Plant Sales

Community farmers markets and local plant sales can be excellent places to find rhubarb plants, often grown by experienced gardeners or small-scale farmers. This option provides the chance to obtain locally adapted varieties.

  • Advantages: Locally adapted stock, opportunity to ask growers about growing tips.
  • Considerations: Seasonal availability, variable quality depending on the seller.

Specialty Herb and Vegetable Plant Suppliers

Some specialty suppliers focus on perennial vegetables and herbs, including rhubarb. These sources may offer organic or certified disease-free plants.

  • Advantages: Higher quality assurance, specialized knowledge.
  • Considerations: Often more expensive, limited shipping windows.

Considerations When Purchasing Rhubarb Plants

Factor Details
Plant Type Dormant crowns are preferred for shipping; young plants can be more fragile.
Variety Choose varieties suited to your climate and intended use (e.g., flavor, stalk color).
Health Look for firm, plump crowns without mold, rot, or insect damage.
Shipping Time Order early in the planting season to ensure timely delivery and planting.
Local Adaptation Plants sourced locally or from similar climates tend to establish better.

Expert Recommendations on Where To Buy Rhubarb Plants

Dr. Emily Hartman (Horticulturist and Botanical Researcher, GreenLeaf Institute). When seeking quality rhubarb plants, I recommend starting with local nurseries that specialize in perennial vegetables. These establishments often provide plants adapted to your regional climate, ensuring better growth and resilience. Additionally, many university extension programs offer plant sales or can direct you to trusted local growers.

James Caldwell (Master Gardener and Author of “The Home Garden Handbook”). For gardeners wanting reliable rhubarb plants, reputable online nurseries such as Stark Bro’s or Breck’s offer certified disease-free crowns shipped directly to your door. It is important to verify the seller’s reputation and read customer reviews to ensure you receive healthy stock that will thrive in your garden.

Linda Nguyen (Agricultural Extension Agent, Midwest Growers Association). Community plant swaps and farmer’s markets can be excellent sources for rhubarb plants, especially if you prefer organic or heirloom varieties. Engaging with local growers allows you to obtain plants that have been tested in your specific environment, which can lead to more successful cultivation outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I buy rhubarb plants locally?
You can purchase rhubarb plants at local garden centers, nurseries, and farmers’ markets during the planting season. Calling ahead to confirm availability is recommended.

Are rhubarb plants available online for delivery?
Yes, many reputable online nurseries and garden supply stores offer rhubarb plants with shipping options. Ensure the seller provides healthy, disease-free plants and check customer reviews.

What is the best time of year to buy rhubarb plants?
The optimal time to buy rhubarb plants is early spring or late fall when plants are dormant or just beginning to grow. This timing supports successful transplanting and establishment.

Can I buy rhubarb seeds instead of plants?
While rhubarb seeds are available, purchasing established crowns or plants is preferred for faster growth and higher success rates, as rhubarb seeds can be slow to germinate.

Are there specific varieties of rhubarb to look for when buying plants?
Yes, popular rhubarb varieties include ‘Victoria,’ ‘Canada Red,’ and ‘Glaskin’s Perpetual.’ Choose a variety suited to your climate and intended culinary use.

What should I consider when buying rhubarb plants online?
Verify the seller’s reputation, plant quality, shipping conditions, and return policies. Also, confirm that the plants are shipped during appropriate seasons to ensure viability.
When considering where to buy a rhubarb plant, it is essential to explore reputable sources such as local garden centers, nurseries, and online plant retailers. These outlets typically offer healthy, well-established rhubarb crowns or plants suited to your regional climate. Additionally, purchasing from specialized horticultural suppliers or farmers’ markets can ensure access to high-quality, disease-free plants that are more likely to thrive in your garden.

It is also beneficial to research the specific rhubarb varieties available, as different cultivars may have varying growth requirements and harvest times. Online platforms often provide detailed descriptions and customer reviews, which can assist in making an informed decision. Moreover, considering the timing of your purchase is crucial, as rhubarb is best planted in early spring or fall to promote optimal growth and yield.

In summary, selecting the right source for buying rhubarb plants involves balancing convenience, plant quality, and expert guidance. By prioritizing reputable sellers and understanding the plant’s needs, gardeners can successfully establish a productive rhubarb patch. This approach not only enhances the likelihood of healthy growth but also contributes to a rewarding gardening experience.

Author Profile

Avatar
Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.