Will Frost Damage My Rhubarb in Spring?

The sight of rhubarb leaves and stalks collapsed and browned after a hard late frost in March or April is alarming but usually not as serious as it looks. The above-ground growth is damaged, but in most cases the crown itself — which is the living part of the plant with its dormant buds and root system — survives unharmed underground and will send up new growth within days once the frost passes. Understanding what has and has not been damaged helps you respond appropriately.

What to do after frost damage

Frost-damaged rhubarb leaves should be left in place for a few days rather than cut off immediately — this is counterintuitive but correct. The damaged material provides some insulation over the crown if further frosts follow. Once the risk of further frost has passed, remove all visibly dead or collapsed material (stalks and leaves) to reduce the risk of it becoming a source of grey mould. The crown will produce new growth from the remaining buds.

Can frost-damaged stalks be eaten?

No. Stalks that have been frosted undergo cell damage that concentrates oxalic acid in the tissue. Frosted rhubarb stalks should not be eaten and should be discarded. Wait for the new growth produced after the frost event — these will be safe to harvest in the normal way.

Protecting rhubarb from late frosts

If a late frost is forecast after rhubarb has begun actively growing, draping horticultural fleece loosely over the emerging stems the night before will protect them from all but the most severe frost. Remove the fleece during the day once the risk has passed. Mulching the crown area with straw in exposed gardens in early spring slows crown emergence slightly and reduces frost exposure.