How To Grow Rhubarb - 2 Great Fall Tips Plant dormant crowns between fall (autumn) and spring. Prepare the ground by digging in two bucketfuls per square metre/yard of well-rotted manure, then spread out the roots and plant so the tip of the crown is just visible above the soil. For existing crowns when the top growth dies back in fall, remove the dead leaves to expose the crown to frost - this will help break dormancy and ensure a good crop of stalks the following year. | GrowVeg