I should add that the same code works fine for a textfield. textarea() textareaRubyPHP . Alternatively, you could assign the value through javascript on load if you used $(document).ready() via jquery. How to get the value of a textarea in jquery? The defaultValue property sets or returns the default value of a text area. If it is not specified, the default value is 2. default value lets you give a default value for a textarea. The minimum number of characters (UTF-16 code units) required that the user should enter. One way to do this is to click on the textarea and hit the edit textarea button. 1. Why are UK Prime Ministers educated at Oxford, not Cambridge? The textarea default value is always a string. Unlike the disabled attribute, the readonly attribute does not prevent the user from clicking or selecting in the control. This means it helps you handling form submission with blank fields. Thanks for contributing an answer to Stack Overflow! By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Camilo Terevinto. Note: The default value of a text area is the text between the