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Victoria Rhubarb Seeds

Rheum x coltorum

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: About two months before the last expected spring frost, start the rhubarb seeds indoors. Soak them for several hours then plant two seeds per peat pot; keep them warm until germination, then clip off the weaker seedling. When the outdoor temperature reaches an average of 45 degrees F and no lower than 32 degrees F at night, transplant the seedlings. Plant them 3-4' apart in rich soil and full sun.

Growing: Moisture is exceptionally important to developing rhubarb, since the stems have a high water content. Keep the soil moist and weeds controlled by mulching around the plants. When flowers appear, remove them to concentrate the plant's energy and growth on the stalks.

Harvesting: Avoid harvesting rhubarb in its first year of growth, to allow the plant to develop full strength and maturity. Harvest lightly in the second year and fully in the third year. To harvest the stalks, grip the stalk near its base and give it a twisting pull. Removing the entire stalk rather than cutting it actually allows for new stalks, increasing production; this method also prevents rot and disease from developing. Keep in mind that the leaves of rhubarb are mildly poisonous.

Seed Saving: Rhubarb readily produces seed on stalks that are left to mature. Harvesting some of the stalks on the plant will not harm the development of the seeds. When the seed heads grow dry and brown, remove them before they shatter; the seeds are very light and fly away easily. Remove the seeds from the stalk and spread them out in a protected place until they have completely dried. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Rheum x coltorum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season|Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 2,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Pink

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~50 Seeds) $3.25 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~2,000 Seeds) $9.71 Notify Me
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $22.15 Notify Me
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $72.00 Notify Me
5 Lb Bulk Bag (2.27kg) $324.00 Notify Me
10 Lb Bulk Bag (4.54kg) $576.00 Notify Me
25 Lb Bulk Bag (11.3kg) $1,368.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

Easily grown from seed, this variety of rhubarb is sweet and tender. The high-quality stalks are long and never tough or stringy. They are a rosy red color at the base, fading to green at the tip. These plants give heavy yields and can live for 10-15 years.
This heirloom variety of rhubarb comes from horticultural expert Joseph Myatt of Manor Farm in Deptford, England. Mr. Myatt introduced Victoria rhubarb in 1837, to honor England's beloved queen; rhubarb immediately became an extremely popular dessert inspiration in the fashionable circles of Britain. The Victoria rhubarb strain, which soon made its way across the ocean, is also responsible for the American culinary tradition of rhubarb.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: About two months before the last expected spring frost, start the rhubarb seeds indoors. Soak them for several hours then plant two seeds per peat pot; keep them warm until germination, then clip off the weaker seedling. When the outdoor temperature reaches an average of 45 degrees F and no lower than 32 degrees F at night, transplant the seedlings. Plant them 3-4' apart in rich soil and full sun.

Growing: Moisture is exceptionally important to developing rhubarb, since the stems have a high water content. Keep the soil moist and weeds controlled by mulching around the plants. When flowers appear, remove them to concentrate the plant's energy and growth on the stalks.

Harvesting: Avoid harvesting rhubarb in its first year of growth, to allow the plant to develop full strength and maturity. Harvest lightly in the second year and fully in the third year. To harvest the stalks, grip the stalk near its base and give it a twisting pull. Removing the entire stalk rather than cutting it actually allows for new stalks, increasing production; this method also prevents rot and disease from developing. Keep in mind that the leaves of rhubarb are mildly poisonous.

Seed Saving: Rhubarb readily produces seed on stalks that are left to mature. Harvesting some of the stalks on the plant will not harm the development of the seeds. When the seed heads grow dry and brown, remove them before they shatter; the seeds are very light and fly away easily. Remove the seeds from the stalk and spread them out in a protected place until they have completely dried. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Rheum x coltorum

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season|Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 2,000

Planting Method: From Transplant

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 30 Inches

Color: Pink