Hello Julie,

Thank you for your questions and photos.  Yes, it's okay to transplant the rhubarb plant now (mid March to early April).  In fact, when purchased from a nursery, rhubarb will often come with its rhizome (root) and a leaf bud (similar to how yours looks in the photos).  So, your timing is perfect.  

As with all plants that go through a transplant, there will likely be a little shock associated with the move, but rhubarb is pretty forgiving.  Perhaps production of its stalks may be less prolific this year, but it looks like your plant is very healthy with a large crown so it will likely bounce back well.  

Your rhubarb will appreciate the new compost-rich bed you are making for it.  Be sure its new home is in full sun (or at least 6 - 8 hours a day) and that the soil drains well.  However, with the transplant, try to give it a little extra attention this year.  This spring and summer, make sure it receives consistent water and try to avoid over-harvesting stalks this year.  In the winter, place mulch or straw around the root base to protect it.  

When transplanting your rhubarb, be sure to dig really (really) deep around the root base.  Another thing to consider is that every 5 - 10 years is a good time to "divide" rhubarb when it gets too large.  Plant the divided pieces about 3 - 4 feet apart; each piece consisting of several leaf buds and root stalk.  See page 3 for details on dividing/replanting rhubarb in the attached "Rhubarb in the Garden" Fact Sheet from Utah State University.

In addition, please find below website links on dividing, planting, and growing rhubarb from several state university extension offices that we find helpful:

https://extension.sdstate.edu/rhubarb-season

https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2020/06/Colorado-Vegetable-Guide-2.1.pdf

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2071&context=extension_curall

Finally, enjoy the endless bounties of rhubarb and good luck with the transplant.

Best wishes,

CSU Master Gardener

You are welcome. Let us know if we can help further.