Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check the soil around the base for standing water.
- Feel the crown to see if it is soft or mushy.
- Dig down 3 inches to test if the soil is waterlogged.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The crown feels soft or mushy, and the stalks pull away easily with a foul smell.
What to do: Improve soil drainage by adding organic matter like compost. If the plant is in a low spot, transplant it to a raised bed or a mound to keep the crown above standing water.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil remains soggy and heavy even days after watering.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly. Ensure you are only watering every 2 to 5 days depending on the heat.
Find out what's wrong with your rhubarb
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the crown is completely mushy and smells bad, the plant is likely beyond saving. It is normal for old outer stalks to die back, but the crown itself should remain firm.
Stopping it coming back
Always plant rhubarb in well draining soil and avoid mulching directly against the crown.
Rhubarb: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rhubarb and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with crown rot?
- If the rot is caught early, you can improve drainage and stop watering for a few days. If the crown is already decaying, you must remove and destroy the plant to prevent spread.
- Is crown rot contagious?
- Yes, the fungi causing crown rot can persist in the soil. Do not plant new rhubarb in the same spot for several years.
More problems with Rhubarb
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.