Planting
Growing the largest rhubarb plant 🌱 means reaching for varieties that can stretch toward the sky—some even hitting 6 feet tall with the right conditions.
If you’ve ever dreamed of rhubarb so towering it looks like a prehistoric jungle plant, you’re in the right place—because some varieties can reach 6 feet tall with the right care!
Most gardeners stop at the standard 3-foot rhubarb, but with the correct soil prep, spacing, and seasonal care, you can coax your plants into giants. The secret? A few key varieties like Victoria or German Giant thrive when given room to spread and nutrients to fuel their growth.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps—from soil prep to pruning—to grow rhubarb that’s not just big, but massive. Let’s get started!
Top 5 giant rhubarb varieties that grow 5+ feet tall
If you’re chasing monster-sized rhubarb that towers over your garden like a prehistoric relic, you’ll want to focus on these five giant varieties. Each brings something special—whether it’s extra-long stalks, bold flavors, or unmatched hardiness.
With the right care, these can easily hit 5 to 6 feet tall, making them the ultimate showstoppers in your perennial patch. Let’s dive into the specifics of what makes them stand out.
Most rhubarb varieties max out around 3 feet, but these giant cultivars defy expectations. They thrive in cool climates and rich soils, producing thick, vibrant stalks that are perfect for pies, jams, or simply admiring their sheer size.
The key to unlocking their full potential? Proper spacing, consistent moisture, and strategic pruning—we’ll cover all that later. First, let’s meet the heavyweights.
Victoria is the undisputed champion of giant rhubarb, often reaching 6 feet with its deep red stalks and tender texture. A classic choice for gardeners seeking both size and productivity, it’s also one of the earliest to harvest. Then there’s German Giant, living up to its name with thick, crisp stalks that can stretch 5 feet tall—ideal for those who love a bold, tangy flavor. Don’t overlook Strawberry Rhubarb, which adds a sweet, fruity twist to its pinkish-red stalks, though it may not grow quite as tall.
For those in warmer climates, Timperley Early is a standout, offering early harvests and 5-foot stalks with a mild, sweet taste. Lastly, Sacred Heart brings disease resistance and 5-foot height, making it a low-maintenance giant.
Each of these varieties has unique strengths, so your choice depends on your climate, flavor preferences, and garden goals.
Below, we’ve broken down the key traits of these top 5 giant rhubarb varieties in a quick comparison. Pay special attention to their mature height, hardiness zones, and stalk characteristics—these will help you pick the perfect fit for your garden.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on these giants, let’s
How to grow a 6-Foot rhubarb plant: pro tips for massive growth
Growing a 6-foot rhubarb plant isn’t just possible—it’s achievable with the right techniques! Most gardeners stop at 3 feet, but by focusing on soil nutrition, light exposure, and pruning strategies, you can coax your rhubarb into reaching towering heights.
The secret lies in mimicking its natural growth patterns while giving it the support it needs to stand upright.
First, let’s talk about the foundation: soil preparation. Rhubarb thrives in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend your garden bed with compost or aged manure before planting, and mix in a balanced fertilizer (10-20-10) to kickstart growth.
A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 ensures your plant can absorb nutrients efficiently, which directly impacts its vertical expansion.
To grow 6-foot rhubarb, plant crowns 3-4 feet apart in full sun (6+ hours daily). Use stakes or cages in the first year to support heavy stalks and prevent flopping. Mulch with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds, which compete for nutrients.
Once planted, watering consistency is key. Rhubarb needs 1-2 inches of water weekly, but deeper soakings encourage root development, which translates to taller stalks. Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risks.
Avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves can lead to leaf spot diseases, which weaken the plant’s structure.
Pruning plays a critical role in achieving that 6-foot height. In the first year, let the plant focus on root establishment—remove only dead or yellowing leaves. Starting the second year, trim back overly long stalks to encourage branching, which creates a sturdier framework.
Use pruning shears to cut stalks at the base when they reach 10-12 inches tall, leaving the top 2-3 inches to promote regrowth.
Seasonal care is where the magic happens. In early spring, apply a light fertilizer to fuel new growth, but avoid heavy feeding in summer, which can lead to leafy growth at the expense of stalks.
By fall, reduce watering and let the plant harden off for winter. In Zone 6a and colder, mulch heavily with straw or leaves to insulate the crown and protect it from freezing temperatures.
With these pro tips, your rhubarb will not only reach 6 feet tall but also produce thicker, more abundant stalks year after year. The key is patience—rhubarb takes 2-3 years to reach its full potential, but the reward of harvesting from a jungle-like plant is worth every effort.
Happy growing!