Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil
Improve soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting
Plant crowns or divisions in early spring or fall
Space plants about 3 to 4 feet apart
Set crowns so the buds are 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface
Water thoroughly after planting
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Remove flower stalks as soon as they appear
Fertilize in early spring and after harvest with compost or balanced fertilizer
Avoid harvesting heavily in the first year after planting
Harvest only a few stalks in the second year
Pull stalks gently from the base or cut them cleanly
Stop harvesting by midsummer to allow plants to store energy
Divide overcrowded crowns every 4 to 5 years
Remove dead leaves and debris in fall
Protect crowns from excessive heat and poor drainage
Avoid eating rhubarb leaves, which are toxic