Product description
Rhubarb Raspberry Red is an early cropping cultivar, producing a reliable harvest from April to June. The thick stalks have a vibrant red hue with tinges of light green and are topped by large, heart shaped, dark green leaves. Note that rhubarb foliage is toxic to humans and pets, so ensure only the stalks are consumed.
Although it is technically a vegetable, rhubarb is usually considered to be a fruit, due to its sweet flavour. Rhubarb raspberry red is ideal for using in pies, crumbles, tarts, and other sweet desserts. It is delicious added to salads and salsas, and, of course, you can always eat it raw dipped in sugar.
Rhubarb raspberry red is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow, making it ideal for first time fruit and vegetable growers. Plant rhubarb in a sunny spot and water it well for the first year. While rhubarb is fully hardy, mulch annually to protect the roots against frosty temperatures. Rhubarb is a perennial plant and dies back below ground level in autumn before sprouting back to life in spring.
Rhubarb plants may throw up flower stalks in summer, producing pink cauliflower-shaped blooms. However, like many edible plants, flowers aren't desirable on rhubarb and the appearance of blooms is called bolting. Remove flower stalks as and when they appear to redirect the plant's energy into producing deliciously sweet stalks.
Please Note: When purchasing plants, please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only. The plant will be supplied in a growers pot. Depending on season, some plants may be pruned back to encourage growth and deciduous plants may arrive without leaves.
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
Specifications
When to plant
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Don’t harvest Rhubarb in its first year to allow the plant to establish healthy roots.
How to Water
Water Rhubarb regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Deep watering is best to encourage strong root growth, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
How to Plant
Plant Rhubarb in a sunny, well-drained spot with rich, fertile soil. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, leaving the crown slightly above soil level. Space plants 90-120cm apart and firm the soil around them. Water well after planting.