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Can You Grow Rhubarb in Michigan?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Rhubarb thrives here — it is extremely cold-hardy and needs cold winters to perform well.

Plant zones

2a–8a

Michigan last frost

early April

Michigan first frost

late October

Days to harvest

Perennial

About Rhubarb

Rhubarb is extremely cold-hardy and productive — plant once and harvest stalks every spring for decades.

Plant crowns in spring. Never harvest the first year. Never eat the leaves — they are toxic. Mulch crowns in autumn. Divide every 5-7 years. Rhubarb actually improves after cold winters.

Full rhubarb growing guide →

Gardening in Michigan

Michigan has a humid continental climate moderated by the Great Lakes. Southern Michigan is Zone 5b-6a; the Upper Peninsula is Zone 4a-5a. Known for fruit crops along Lake Michigan.

See what grows well in Michigan →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Rhubarb in Michigan?

Rhubarb thrives here — it is extremely cold-hardy and needs cold winters to perform well.

What zone is Michigan?

Michigan spans USDA Zone 5b (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).

When do you plant Rhubarb in Michigan?

See the planting guide for Rhubarb — timing depends on your exact frost date.