Rhubarb

Victoria Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a classic, cold-tolerant perennial vegetable known for its bright red stalks and tangy flavor. This Non-GMO, heirloom variety is perfect for gardeners who want to grow spring vegetables in their home garden. It thrives in cool climates and offers a reliable, low-maintenance option for perennial harvests year after year. This packet includes detailed instructions to help you grow Victoria Rhubarb successfully, whether you're planting for culinary use, preserving, or simply for its ornamental beauty.

Product Overview

• Common Name: Victoria Rhubarb
• Scientific Name: Rheum rhabarbarum
• Plant Type: Perennial vegetable
• Seed Packet Size: 1 packet (seeds included)
• Plant Characteristics: Cold-tolerant, edible stalks, bright red stems with a tangy flavor
• Plant Height: Typically grows 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall
• Hardiness: Extremely cold-hardy, great for early spring harvests
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Best suited for zones 3-8

Victoria Rhubarb is ideal for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial that comes back every spring, providing a bounty of tart, edible stalks for use in pies, jams, sauces, and more. With this Non-GMO heirloom seed packet, you can start your own rhubarb patch that will produce delicious harvests for many years to come.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirements:

• Full Sun: Victoria Rhubarb thrives in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some light shade, but it will perform best with plenty of sunshine.

Soil Preferences:

• Well-Drained Soil: Rhubarb grows best in rich, well-drained soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
• Soil Enrichment: Incorporate organic compost into the soil to provide necessary nutrients and improve drainage.

Temperature and Climate:

• Cold Tolerant: Victoria Rhubarb is particularly well-suited to cool climates and can survive harsh winters. It is hardy to frost and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).
• Climate: Ideal for gardeners in regions with cold winters or cool springs, and it thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

• Best Planting Time: Start planting Victoria Rhubarb in early spring, after the last frost. You can also start seeds indoors in late winter (6–8 weeks before the last expected frost), and then transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed up.

How to Plant:

• Planting Depth: Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep (1.3 cm) into well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds or young plants about 3-4 feet apart to accommodate the plant's large spread and to allow for proper airflow between plants.

Germination:

• Germination Time: Rhubarb seeds typically take 10-14 days to germinate, depending on temperature and moisture levels.
• Growth Time: Rhubarb is a slow-growing plant; you may not be able to harvest stalks until the second or third year, though you will see leaf growth in the first year.

Watering Instructions

• Watering Frequency: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Rhubarb requires a moderate amount of water, particularly in hot weather, to maintain healthy growth.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.

USDA Growing Zones

• Hardiness Zones: Victoria Rhubarb thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates across the United States. It is particularly cold-hardy, capable of withstanding the cold temperatures of northern regions.

Global Growing Zones

• Suitable Regions: Outside of the U.S., Victoria Rhubarb is ideal for growing in regions with temperate climates, such as parts of Europe, Canada, and Australia. It performs best in areas with cold winters or cool spring temperatures.

Key Benefits & Uses

Culinary Uses:

• Versatile Vegetable: The tart, tangy stalks of Victoria Rhubarb are a culinary delight. It can be used in a variety of recipes, including:
  • Pies and tarts: Rhubarb is most famously used in rhubarb pies and cobblers.
  • Jams and sauces: Rhubarb can be made into jams or compotes.
  • Savory dishes: Try adding it to sauces for meats or in stews for a unique flavor.

Health Benefits:

• Rich in Nutrients: Rhubarb is a good source of fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Digestive Health: The fiber content in rhubarb may aid in digestion, while the vitamin C supports immune health.

Environmental Benefits:

• Cold-Tolerant Perennial: As a perennial vegetable, Victoria Rhubarb returns year after year, saving you the effort of replanting every season.
• Supports Pollinators: The flowers of rhubarb attract pollinators like bees, which benefit the overall health of your garden.

Best Uses in the Garden & Landscape

• Vegetable Gardens: Victoria Rhubarb makes an excellent addition to vegetable gardens due to its cold tolerance and edible stalks. It can be grown in both traditional gardens or raised beds.
• Edible Landscapes: This plant can also serve as an ornamental edible in your landscape, with its large, lush leaves and bright red stalks.
• Companion Planting: Rhubarb grows well when paired with herbs and perennial vegetables like asparagus and garlic, helping to create a harmonious garden environment.

Conclusion

Victoria Rhubarb is an excellent addition to any home garden, offering tart, edible stalks that can be enjoyed in a variety of recipes. Whether you’re a fan of rhubarb pie or looking for a cold-tolerant perennial to enhance your garden, this Non-GMO heirloom variety will provide you with years of harvests. Easy to grow with minimal care, it will reward you with delicious spring vegetables each year.

By planting Victoria Rhubarb, you're not only growing a highly nutritious food source, but you're also adding beauty and sustainability to your garden. Start your cold-tolerant perennial garden with 1 packet of Victoria Rhubarb seeds, and enjoy a reliable, long-lasting harvest.

Add a burst of color and flavor to your garden with Rhubarb Red Dragon (Crown). Known for its deep red stalks and bold, tart flavor, this variety is ideal for cooking, baking, or preserving. It thrives in cooler climates and offers high yields for gardeners looking for a long-term crop.

Features:

Vibrant Red Stalks: Beautiful, deep crimson stalks for a striking garden appearance and colorful harvest.

Tangy, Tart Flavor: Perfect for pies, jams, sauces, and savory dishes.

High Yield: Produces a large quantity of rhubarb, providing plenty for culinary uses.

Cold-Hardy: Adaptable to cooler climates, perfect for early spring and long-lasting harvests.

Perennial Plant: A long-term addition to your garden that provides fresh rhubarb every season.

Specifications:

Plant Type: Fruit Crown

Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, with a similar width spread

Planting Depth: 2 inches below the soil surface

Planting Season: Early spring or fall for best results

Planting Spacing: 3-4 feet apart

Growing Time: Full maturity in 1-2 years for harvest

Harvest Time: Late spring to early summer, with multiple harvests throughout the season

Cultivate a vibrant and flavorful crop with Rhubarb Ever Red (Crown). This hardy variety is known for its striking red stalks and tangy, tart flavor, making it perfect for pies, jams, and savory dishes. Ever Red offers a high yield and extended harvesting season.

Features:

Vibrant Red Stalks: Beautiful, deep red stalks for a colorful garden display and flavorful harvest.

Tart Flavor: Ideal for baking, sauces, jams, and savory dishes.

High Yield: Abundant harvests, providing plenty of rhubarb for cooking.

Cold-Hardy: Thrives in cooler climates, making it an excellent choice for early spring crops.

Perennial Plant: Enjoy rhubarb harvests year after year from the same plant.

Specifications:

Plant Type: Fruit Crown

Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, with a similar width spread

Planting Depth: 2 inches below soil surface

Planting Season: Early spring or fall for best results

Planting Spacing: 3-4 feet apart

Growing Time: Full maturity in 1-2 years for harvest

Harvest Time: Harvestable from late spring to early summer

Product Description: Rhubarb Victoria (Crown) is a classic variety prized for its sweet, tender, and vibrant red stems. This high-yielding perennial is perfect for growing in your garden and harvesting year after year. Known for its exceptional flavor and texture, it is ideal for pies, crumbles, jams, and sauces. Easy to grow, this variety thrives in a range of soils and climates, making it a great addition to any vegetable patch or allotment.

Features:

• Variety: Rhubarb Victoria (Crown) a traditional, reliable choice.
• Growth Habit: Perennial plant, producing fresh stalks year after year.
• Stem Color: Rich red stems, perfect for culinary use.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet and tangy taste, ideal for desserts and preserves.
• Soil Type: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH.
• Climate Adaptability: Performs well in both temperate and cooler climates.
• Mature Height: Reaches up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall.
• Harvest Time: Harvest from the second season onward.

Specifications:

• Seed Type: Crown division ideal for quick establishment and fast growth.
• Planting Depth: Plant crowns 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 3 feet (90 cm) apart for proper growth.
• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or late autumn.
• Ideal Temperature: 15 °C to 25 °C (59 °F to 77 °F).
• Watering Needs: Moderate ensure consistent moisture for optimal growth.
• Maintenance: Minimal care required, just occasional weeding and mulch for protection.

Perfect for gardeners looking for an easy-to-grow, delicious addition to their edible garden, Rhubarb Victoria (Crown) offers reliable crops that will provide sweet-tasting rhubarb for many seasons to come.

The Lider Red rhubarb variety is known for its vibrant, deep red stalks and exceptional flavor. This hardy perennial produces thick, tender stems that are perfect for a variety of culinary uses, from pies and crumbles to jams and sauces. Unlike other rhubarb varieties, Lider Red boasts a consistently bright red color, making it visually appealing in the garden as well as in dishes. It’s also relatively easy to grow and is perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking for a reliable rhubarb crop.

Features:

• Vibrant Red Stalks: The Lider Red variety produces rich, deep red stalks that retain their color throughout the growing season, adding an eye-catching element to your garden and meals.
• Sweet-Tart Flavor: Known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, Lider Red rhubarb is ideal for a variety of recipes, from sweet pies to savory dishes.
• Early and Consistent Harvest: Lider Red rhubarb is an early producer, allowing for a quicker harvest in the season and consistent production over several years.
• Hardy and Robust: This variety is well-suited to a variety of climates, tolerating both cooler temperatures and periods of drought, making it ideal for a range of gardeners.
• Versatile Culinary Use: Whether used for desserts like rhubarb pies and crumbles, or savory dishes such as sauces and stews, Lider Red’s mild yet tangy flavor works wonderfully in a variety of recipes.

Specifications:

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Height: 30-36 inches
• Stalk Color: Deep red
• Days to Maturity: 2-3 years for full maturity, but small harvests can begin in the first year
• Sowing Depth: 1/2 inch
• Row Spacing: 36-48 inches for optimal growth and air circulation
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter
• Watering Needs: Consistent moisture is essential; avoid letting the soil dry out completely
• Ideal Temperature: 45-75 °F (7-24 °C)

Lider Red Rhubarb is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable, vibrant rhubarb variety with a sweet-tart flavor. Its ease of growth, consistent yield, and stunning red stalks make it a beautiful and practical addition to any garden. Whether you're making rhubarb pie or creating savory dishes, Lider Red will provide you with a rich harvest year after year.

Glaskins Perpetual rhubarb is a unique and versatile variety known for its tender, sweet-tart stalks and its ability to produce a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Unlike many rhubarb varieties, Glaskins Perpetual can be harvested multiple times in a single year, providing a steady supply of this beloved garden perennial. With its pink-tinged red stems and mild flavor, this rhubarb variety is perfect for pies, crumbles, jams, sauces, and more.

Features:

• Continuous Harvest: Known for its ability to yield multiple harvests per year, Glaskins Perpetual is perfect for those who want to enjoy fresh rhubarb throughout the growing season.
• Mild, Sweet-Tart Flavor: This variety offers a milder, less acidic flavor compared to other rhubarb types, making it ideal for sweet and savory dishes.
• Vibrant Stalks: The stalks have a striking pinkish-red color, adding a visually appealing touch to your garden and recipes.
• Hardy and Resilient: Glaskins Perpetual is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in cooler regions.
• Versatile Culinary Use: This variety is great for both sweet desserts, like pies and crumbles, as well as savory dishes, such as sauces and stews.

Specifications:

• Plant Type: Perennial
• Plant Height: 24-36 inches
• Stalk Color: Pinkish-red
• Days to Maturity: 2-3 years to establish for harvesting, but regular harvesting can begin in year 1 for smaller stalks
• Sowing Depth: 1/2 inch
• Row Spacing: 36-48 inches (for proper air circulation and growth)
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil, rich in organic matter
• Watering Needs: Regular, consistent moisture; do not allow the soil to dry out completely
• Ideal Temperature: 45-75 °F (7-24 °C)

Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb is perfect for gardeners looking to grow a productive, long-lasting crop that offers a versatile range of culinary uses. With its mild, sweet-tart flavor and ability to be harvested continuously, it’s a great choice for both seasoned and beginner gardeners. Whether used in delicious rhubarb pies, jams, or savory sauces, this rhubarb variety will enhance your homegrown harvest year after year.