Grow & Tell:The Perfect Summer Refresher from Flora Café

When the weather warms and summer settles it, there’s nothing quite like a cold, refreshing drink outdoors. One of the most popular seasonal favorites at Flora Café, located within the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, is its vibrant Rhubarb Lemonade.

The bright tartness of fresh lemon pairs beautifully with the sweet & tangy flavor of rhubarb, creating a drink that feels like summer in a glass. Easy to make, and even easier to enjoy, it’s a refreshing treat for garden gatherings, backyard afternoons, or simply cooling off after a day outdoors.

And for those looking to elevate it for adults only, a splash of gin or vodka makes an excellent addition.

Rhubard Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1½ cups sugar
• 5 cups water
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice (to taste)

Directions

1. Combine rhubarb, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
2. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, until the rhubarb softens and the sugar dissolves.
3. Carefully puree the mixture in a blender.
4. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve.
5. Add fresh lemon juice to taste.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy.

Yield: Approximately 4-6 servings

Important Safety Tip

Only the stalks of the rhubarb plant should be eater. 

Rhubarb leaves are not edible and should be composted or discarded, as they contain compounds that can be harmful if consumed.

Ready to Grow Your Own Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is one of the easiest perennial food crops to grow in Iowa. Once established, a healthy plant can produce harvests for many years, making it a favorite among home gardeners.

Choose the Right Location

For the best results, plant rhubarb in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Rhubarb thrives in:

• Rich, fertile soil
• Good drainage
• Plenty of organic matter

Avoid planting near trees or large shrubs, which compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight.

How to Keep Rhubarb Thriving

Rhubarb is relatively low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way.

• Water regularly during hot, dry periods
• Apply mulch to help conserve moisture and keep roots cool
• Remove flower stalks when they appear so the plant directs energy into producing edible stalks rather than blooms

When to Harvest Rhubarb

Patience pays off with rhubarb.

• Years 1-2: Do not harvest. Allow the plant to establish strong roots.
• Year 3: Harvest lightly for a short period
• Year 4 and beyond: Harvest normally through mid-June

To harvest, gently twist and pull stalks near the base. Always leave several stalks behind so the plant can continue growing vigorously.

Best Rhubarb Varieties for Iowa Gardens

These reliable cultivars perform particularly well in Iowa home landscapes:

• Canada Red
• Crimson Red
• McDonald
• Valentine
• Victoria

Each offers strong growth and excellent flavor for baking, preserves, and refreshing drinks like rhubarb lemonade.

No Rhubarb at Home? Visit Farmer’s Markets

If your rhubarb patch isn’t ready—or you don’t grow your own—don’t worry. Rhubarb season is in full swing at many local farmers markets. Fresh, locally grown rhubarb can often be found throughout the Greater Des Moines area during spring and early summer, making now the perfect time to experiment with new recipes.

Check out Catch Des Moines’ guide to area farmers markets and plan a weekend outing.

Enjoy Rhubarb All Year Long

Want to enjoy this refreshing drink long after rhubarb season ends? Sarah Sontag, manager at Flora Café, recommends cooking and freezing rhubarb puree in advance. Stored properly, it allows you to create fresh rhubarb lemonade any time of year.

Watch the Grow & Tell How-To Video to see Sarah make this seasonal favorite step-by-step.

A Taste of Summer Awaits

Whether you’re growing rhubarb in your backyard, shopping at your local farmers markets, or visiting Flora Café, this simple recipe captures the bright flavors of the season. One sip, and you’ll understand why Rhubarb Lemonade has become a Botanical Garden favorite.