Description
Rhubarb Ever Red
Rhubarb Ever Red (Rheum × hybridum) is a vigorous, long-lived perennial celebrated for its deep red stalks and rich, bittersweet flavour. Technically a vegetable but often used like fruit in the kitchen, it’s ideal for pies, jams, sauces, and preserves. This striking variety is valued for its intense colouring, consistent performance, and reliable yields.
It grows from a thick underground rhizome and forms a sturdy, upright plant topped with large, crinkled green leaves. When given space and good care, it will continue producing generously for many years.
Kitchen Uses
Rhubarb Ever Red adds vibrant colour and bold flavour to pies, slices, cakes, jams, sauces, and chutneys. Its deep red skin and firm stalks hold their shape and hue well when cooked, making them ideal for bottling, baking, or stewing.
Note: Only the stalks are edible. Rhubarb leaves are toxic and must be discarded.
Climate Suitability & Planting Time
Best suited to cool, temperate, and arid regions, rhubarb needs a winter chill to support dormancy and spring regrowth. Crowns can be planted from winter to early spring. In warmer climates, planting from late autumn through winter allows roots to establish before summer. In cooler regions, wait until late winter or early spring when frost risk has eased and the soil is workable.
Temporary Storage
If not planting right away, store crowns in a cool, dry place, or “heel in” to barely moist potting mix in a shaded, sheltered spot until conditions improve.
Frost Considerations
While mature rhubarb is frost-hardy and benefits from a winter chill, newly planted crowns are more sensitive. In their first year, apply mulch around, not on, the crown to insulate the roots, and use frost cloths in frost-prone areas. In cold climates, rhubarb naturally dies back in winter and re-emerges in spring; frost-damaged foliage can be trimmed away.
Where & How to Plant
Choose a permanent spot in full sun. In warmer climates, part shade in the afternoon helps protect plants from summer stress. Rhubarb needs room to spread, so plant in vegetable plots, garden beds, or large containers at least 50–60 cm wide and deep.
Soil & Fertiliser
Rhubarb prefers rich, organic, well-drained soil improved with compost or aged manure. Raised beds are ideal for heavy or wet soils. Mix one cup of balanced fertiliser into the soil at planting, keeping it away from the crown.
In the ground, loosen soil to 30 cm. Plant the crown so its base is just below the surface, with the upper crown and top bud exposed. Space crowns 1–1.5 m apart.
In containers, use quality potting mix blended with compost. Plant one crown per pot with the same positioning.
Apply mulch to retain moisture, leaving a gap around the exposed crown. Water thoroughly after planting.
Care and Maintenance
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season, avoiding waterlogging.
• Feeding: Each spring, apply a balanced organic fertiliser and fresh compost to support strong new growth.
• Mulching: Top up mulch each winter. In wet areas, avoid heavy mulch directly on the crown to reduce rot risk.
• Summer: In hot regions, water more frequently and provide some afternoon shade to reduce heat stress.
• Weeding: Keep the base of the plant clear to reduce competition and improve airflow.
• Flowering: Remove flower stalks as soon as they appear to redirect energy back into producing thick, healthy edible stalks. This helps maintain vigorous growth and improves yield.
Harvesting
• Year 1: Do not harvest — allow roots to establish.
• Year 2: Harvest lightly, a few stalks at a time.
• Year 3+: In most climates, harvest over a 6–8-week period from spring into summer, extending into early autumn where conditions allow. Pick stalks 30–40 cm long with fully open leaves. Gently twist and pull from the base — never cut, as this can cause rot. Always leave 4–6 stalks on the plant to maintain vigour.
Note: Harvest outer stalks first to let inner ones mature.
Rhubarb Ever Red may produce stalks for much of the year in some regions. Even so, limit harvesting to spring through early autumn to allow the plant to rest and store energy over winter, supporting stronger regrowth.
Forcing Rhubarb
Rhubarb Ever Red is naturally productive and may continue growing through winter in some climates, so forcing is usually not required. However, if your plant becomes fully dormant, you can force it for an earlier, sweeter harvest. Cover the crown with a light-proof container and optionally insulate with straw. Harvest pale stems after 6–8 weeks. Allow a few years between forcing to give the plant time to recover.
Dividing Crowns
Divide every 4–5 years in late autumn or winter to maintain plant health. Lift with a fork and split into sections with at least one healthy bud and root. Replant immediately or store in a cool, dry place.
Pests & Diseases
Generally trouble-free but watch for:
• Slugs & snails: Hand-pick, trap, or use safe pellets
• Root/crown rot: Avoid overwatering; use raised beds in heavy soils
• Aphids or beetles: Spray with water, use insecticidal soap, or encourage beneficial insects
Good airflow, clean surroundings, and rich soil reduce most problems.
Safety
Caution: Rhubarb leaves are toxic and must not be eaten. Discard safely and keep away from children and pets. If ingested, seek medical or veterinary advice.
The crown and stalks are safe to handle, but gloves are recommended for those with sensitive skin.
Supplied as a dormant crown.