Rhubarb is one of those special plants that signals the start of true spring. Its vibrant red stalks and bold green leaves are some of the first signs that your garden is awake and thriving.
In May, rhubarb plants are full of energy, but they also need careful attention. A little effort this month will keep your rhubarb healthy, strong, and productive for the rest of the season.
Here is exactly how to help your rhubarb plants grow their best in May.
How to Tell If Your Rhubarb Is Off to a Good Start
In May, rhubarb plants should be looking strong and full of life.
You should see thick, sturdy stalks rising from the center of the plant. The leaves should be large, deep green, and slightly crinkled.
If stalks are thin, floppy, or very pale, it may mean the plant is struggling. Weak early growth often points to poor soil conditions, lack of water, or crowding.
Healthy rhubarb grows steadily and looks vigorous by this time of year. Each stalk should feel firm when you press it lightly.
A strong start in May often leads to better harvests through summer.
Clear the Area Around Your Rhubarb
Winter debris and early spring weeds can crowd your rhubarb plants before you realize it.
Spend time clearing away any fallen leaves, sticks, or old mulch left over from last season. Give each plant plenty of open space so sunlight and air can reach it easily.
Weeds should be pulled by hand or carefully hoed away from the base of the plant. Rhubarb has shallow roots that can be damaged if you are too rough.
Once the area is clean, it becomes much easier to spot new stalks and monitor plant health.
A tidy rhubarb patch helps prevent pest problems and keeps everything growing strong.
Feeding Rhubarb for Better Growth
By May, rhubarb plants are working hard to build stalks and leaves.
They appreciate a boost of nutrition to help them along. Apply a balanced fertilizer or a mix rich in nitrogen and potassium.
Spread the fertilizer around the base of the plant but avoid letting it touch the stalks directly. Water it in deeply after applying to help nutrients reach the roots.
Organic options like well-aged compost or manure tea can also do wonders.
Feeding now supports bigger leaves, thicker stalks, and a longer productive season. Healthy, well-fed plants resist pests and diseases more easily.
A little fertilizer at the right time goes a long way.
Checking Soil Moisture to Keep Plants Happy
Rhubarb loves consistent moisture, but it does not tolerate soggy conditions.
Stick your finger into the soil near the plant. If the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a day or two and check again.
When you water, give a deep soaking rather than a light sprinkle.
Consistent watering encourages deep, strong roots that support steady stalk growth.
Dry spells in May can stress rhubarb quickly, so stay alert even if the weather feels cool.
Healthy rhubarb plants are almost always the ones that never got too thirsty.
Mulching the Bed Without Smothering the Crowns
Mulch can be a great friend to your rhubarb patch, but it needs to be used carefully.
Spread a thick layer of organic mulch like straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles around the plants. Keep the mulch about two to three inches deep.
Make sure to leave a few inches of space around the crown of each plant. Mulch piled too close can cause rot, especially if late spring rains are heavy.
Mulch holds in moisture, prevents weeds, and helps regulate soil temperature.
A well-mulched bed creates a strong, stable environment for rhubarb all season long.
How to Handle Flower Stalks the Right Way
Sometimes in May, rhubarb sends up tall, thick flower stalks from the center of the plant.
While these flowers are beautiful, they take valuable energy away from stalk and leaf production.
As soon as you spot a flower stalk forming, cut it off at the base with a clean knife or scissors. Removing flower stalks allows the plant to refocus on building edible parts.
If you let the flowers bloom and go to seed, the plant often becomes weaker and less productive over time.
Early removal of flowers keeps rhubarb vigorous and supports a stronger plant next year too.
Harvest Stalks at the Perfect Time
In many gardens, May marks the start of rhubarb harvest season.
When stalks are about 10 to 15 inches long, they are ready to pick. Grip the stalk firmly near the base and pull it with a gentle twisting motion.
Harvest carefully to avoid damaging the crown or nearby shoots.
Do not harvest all the stalks from one plant at once. Leave several large stalks behind so the plant can continue photosynthesizing and rebuilding energy.
Regular but moderate harvesting keeps the plant productive throughout the season.
Patience now means more delicious rhubarb later.
Avoid Mistakes That Hurt Your Rhubarb
May is a time of fast growth, but also a time when small mistakes can cause big problems.
Harvesting too much at once weakens the plant. Allowing weeds to grow thick steals water and nutrients.
Watering inconsistently stresses the roots. Overfeeding with heavy fertilizer burns tender new growth. Stay alert to small signals from your plants.
If you catch problems early, they are easy to fix. If you wait too long, the plant may struggle all summer.
Tending carefully in May prevents trouble later.
Keep Weeds Away From Young Crowns
Newly planted or young rhubarb crowns are especially vulnerable to weeds.
Weeds steal nutrients and shade out tender shoots. They also make harvesting harder and encourage pests. Check your rhubarb bed every few days in May.
Pull small weeds by hand while they are still easy to remove. Avoid deep digging close to crowns to protect shallow roots.
Weeding often in May saves you a lot of work in June and July.
Consistency is the key to a clean, thriving patch.
Look out for Pests and Problems Early
While rhubarb is usually tough, it is not completely immune to trouble.
Look for holes chewed in leaves, which can signal slugs or beetles. Spotty, discolored leaves might suggest fungal problems if rains have been heavy.
Crown rot is one of the most serious threats. It shows up as soft, mushy areas around the base of the plant. Catch problems early and act fast.
Remove damaged leaves. Treat pests with safe, appropriate methods. Improve drainage if the soil stays too wet.
Healthy rhubarb plants shrug off most threats if given good basic care.
Building Up Stronger Plants for Next Year
What you do in May shapes next year’s harvest too.
Strong plants now build deeper root systems. Bigger leaves catch more sunlight and feed the crowns below.
If you pamper your rhubarb with steady water, regular feeding, clean beds, and flower removal, you are building a better future.
May is not just about this season. It is about laying the groundwork for seasons to come.
Every healthy plant today is an investment in years of fresh, homegrown rhubarb.
Expand Your Patch the Smart Way
If you want more rhubarb in future seasons, May is a good time to plan ahead.
Healthy, mature plants can be divided every four to five years. Watch for signs like crowded stalks or reduced harvests.
Plan new planting spots where the soil is rich, loose, and well-drained. Choose sunny locations where plants can spread without being crowded.
Prepare new beds during the summer so you are ready to divide and transplant in early fall.
Thinking ahead now ensures a smooth transition when the time comes.
Recognizing When Your Plants Are Thriving
Good rhubarb care shows itself clearly. Thick stalks, large deep green leaves, and strong crowns all point to happy plants.
If your rhubarb stands tall, grows steadily, and feels firm to the touch, you are doing everything right.
A thriving plant needs little correction. It only asks for your steady attention and a few simple tasks repeated over time.
Good gardening is not about big moves. It is about small efforts made consistently.
Know When to Stop Harvesting for the Year
Even if stalks look tempting, you need to know when to give the plant a break.
If stalks become thin and spindly, it means the plant needs to rest. Typically, harvesting stops in late May or early June for most gardens.
Stopping at the right time protects the plant’s strength and allows it to store up energy for the next growing season.
Picking too long weakens crowns and leads to poor harvests the following year.
Listen carefully to your rhubarb. It will always tell you what it needs.
Plan for the Rest of the Season
Once the heavy harvesting ends, your focus shifts to maintenance.
Water steadily during dry periods. Keep weeding around the plants. Refresh mulch as needed.
Let the remaining stalks and leaves grow without disturbance through summer.
Strong summer growth sets the stage for strong roots, which in turn guarantee good harvests.
A little patience now rewards you with sweet, juicy stalks next spring.
Final Thoughts
Rhubarb is a true garden treasure, but it asks for thoughtful care in May.
From clearing beds and feeding roots to removing flowers and harvesting wisely, every action you take now makes a difference.
Rhubarb rewards consistency with beauty, flavor, and lasting health.
Step outside, give your patch the care it craves, and enjoy the sweet results for many seasons to come.