I am growing it in a 12 inch container right now. I started it from seed last spring and it came back like a champ this spring. It already has HUGE leaves on it and it is creating new stems from the roots. I am going to have to repot it to a bigger pot before this summer so a big container is recommended. But it is definitely possible.

Ditto denninmi, don't cut back the stalks. I'm quite surprised that you're planting in the fall. I'm one zone warmer than you and I wouldn't plant any sort of veggie now. You're moderated by the ocean and we're land-locked, though, so I could be way off. I don't need to mulch our rhubarb at all over winter, which is probably quite similar to yours for the most part. Some years I leave all the dead stalks and leaves in place over the crown and some years I clear them away in the fall. It doesn't seem to matter to the plants at all; they're always the first things up in the spring. I'm talking established plants... your newbie might need some help for the first few seasons. All the best!

I have had rhubarb in wooden pots about 18" across and 14" deep for two years. The first year, I covered it well to protect it from cold. Bad idea; it went to seed and multiplied. Now I have to disturb it to divide it. Not good. I've now read that temperatures below 40 degrees F are required to stimulate bud break and subsequent growth. And that rhubarb tolerates very cold (-20 F) very well. So bringing it indoors for the entire winter may not please it. To prepare it for winter even in very cold climates (North Dakota), spread a layer (2-3") of compost (or leaves or hay) to prevent winter winds from drying out your roots. Then leave it outdoors. I've also read it likes to stay in place for years; one source said as much as 10 years, and another source said to divide it every 3-5 years, and yet another source every 6-8 years. I think the clue about timing is when the plants decline in appearance or vigor. I believe it does not like being disturbed before that time. So this means starting it in small pots and moving it to larger pots may be counterproductive. Also, I was told yesterday not to expect much yield until the plants have been in place for two years. Ron Smith, Horticulturist, North Dakota State University Extension Service, writes on http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/fruitveg/rhubarb.htm: Q: Some years ago, we lived in a cottage that had a large rhubarb patch. We happily harvested rhubarb for many years. We now live in town, but I would dearly love to grow rhubarb again. The problem is space restriction and cats. Is it possible to grow rhubarb in a container? A: Rhubarb easily should grow in a container. The container needs to be big enough to accommodate plant expansion. I wouldnÂt put it in anything smaller than a 12-inch diameter pot, if possible. In this case, the larger the better. Be sure to put the container in a full-sun area. The more sun, the better. So I'm leaving mine in pots because in these pots, it can sit in full sun, and can sit undisturbed.

If the rhubarb is bigger in diameter than your thunb then its growing good. Leaf size is usually 12 to 20 inches