14 Best Types of Rhubarb: Popular Varieties for Your Garden 

Rhubarb is a popular vegetable that likes to be planted in the garden during colder seasons. It does well in areas with full sun and sometimes gets pestered by slugs or other critters. The 14 best types of rhubarb are: Siberian, Italian red, French green, common blueberry leaf, Crimson clump-rooted Russian and many others!

The “victoria rhubarb” is a type of rhubarb that is popular for its sweet and tart flavor. It’s also known as the “Victoria Strawberry Rhubarb”. The variety can grow up to 3 feet in height, but it’s typically around 2-2.5 feet. The Victoria strawberry rhubarb is a perennial plant that blooms from late spring until early fall.

There are affiliate links in this post. We may get a commission if you click and purchase, at no extra cost to you. For additional information, please visit our disclosure policy.

Despite the fact that rhubarb is well-known in the Western world, few people understand what it is, how it tastes, or how it looks. Despite this, it is widely eaten, and many people consider it a basic dish.

Rhubarb, on the other hand, is a fantastic addition to any garden. It enhances the appearance and productivity of any landscape because to its size, attractiveness, and applications.

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’ve recently tried it or want to learn more about it. Here, we’ll show you all there is to know about rhubarb, including what it is, what it does, and the many sorts of rhubarb available.

Do you want to learn more about it? Take a peek at the images below!

What exactly is rhubarb?

The plant’s scientific name is “Rheum rhabarbarum.” It belongs to the Polygonaceae family, sometimes known as “smartweed.” This indicates that the plant is herbaceous. Despite its resemblance to swiss chard or kale, this plant is more closely linked to buckwheat and weeds.

The most intriguing aspect of this plant, though, is its distinct hue. The leaves are usually dark to brilliant green, and the stems are a vibrant red-to-green hue that draws attention.

Aside from that, the plant favors cold surroundings over warm ones in all of its forms. Its resemblance to leeks and lettuce makes it an even rarer plant. This one, on the other hand, can be found all throughout Alaska – even in places where other veggies don’t grow.

Rhubarb may still be used in hotter climates. As long as the plant is of the proper kind, it should be able to withstand and flourish. In truth, rhubarb is native to Central Asia (the coldest areas). However, there is evidence that rhubarb is utilized in warmer climates like as Europe and the Middle East.

Is Rhubarb a Fruit or a Vegetable?

In a nutshell, it’s neither. It’s more of a herb than a fruit or vegetable. However, we classify it as a vegetable since we eat the plant itself rather than its products.

The plant, on the other hand, is most often utilized as a fruit. It’s right, you read that correctly. The stalks of rhubarb become a go-to alternative for many recipes owing to their delicate sweetness, although the leaves are not edible. Despite the fact that the stalk is sour, it pairs nicely with sweeter fruits like strawberries in pastries.

So, what exactly is it? It is, after all, a vegetable. Rhubarb, on the other hand, was classified a fruit in 1947. (because of its use). So there you have it, it’s both a vegetable and a fruit. But, to be honest, it’s a weed.  

Is it Poisonous to Eat Rhubarb Leaves?

Rhubarb leaves are toxic, which is why you can’t eat them. They contain a significant quantity of calcium in the form of oxalic acid, which is highly concentrated calcium. Even in tiny amounts, this acid is harmful to humans. As a result, rhubarb leaves are often avoided.

Why Should You Grow Rhubarb at Home?

Now, even if its leaves are deadly, it only grows in frigid climates, and we’re still not sure whether it’s a vegetable or a fruit. Should you try to grow it at home? Here are a few reasons to think about it:

It is a Cold Hardy Plant.

It won’t take more than three years for rhubarb to be edible after it’s been planted. More importantly, you can plant it in fall or winter itself (even in cold areas), and the plant should thrive. You will, without a doubt, need the appropriate variety.

It’s a Beautiful Ornamental

Because it takes three years for it to become edible, you’ll have three years of beautiful foliage. You will be able to improve the appearance of your garden as it develops the broad and vast leaves.

Antioxidants

It has a lot of anthocyanins, an antioxidant found in red onions, beans, and grapes. The crimson hue of the stem is due to these antioxidants. They also have another benefit: they’re healthful, which means they can help prevent cancer, lower blood pressure, and even prevent heart attacks.

Recipes for Dessert

Rhubarb is also a great addition to sweets, particularly strawberry pie. Its tartness goes well with anything that may be too sweet to consume on its own.

Salads & Sauces

Finally, if required, you may cut some rhubarb and consume it with other vegetables. Alternatively, you may cook it slowly with onion and garlic to produce a tangy sauce. It will be delicious in any case.

Consider these 14 Rhubarb Varieties for Your Garden

Let’s get into what you came here for: the numerous sorts of rhubarb you’ll discover now that you know the fundamentals of rhubarb. We’re going through how they appear, grow, what they need, and, in certain instances, how they taste. Check it out!

1. Rheum x hybridum ‘Cherry Red’ (Rheum x hybridum ‘Cherry Red’) (Rheum x hybridum ‘Cherry Red

It’s a bright-red stalked cultivar, as the name implies. The leaves are average in size and only reach a height of 1 to 2 feet.

The sweet flavor is the most interesting aspect of this cultivar. This kind is less tart than others, so it pairs nicely with sweets and sweet dishes.

For growth, temperatures of no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit are required. It also prefers partial shade and, by April, will be producing the reddest and juiciest stalks. It really benefits from moist soil.

2. Rheum rhubararum’ Chipman’s Canada Red’ (Rheum rhubararum’ Chipman’s Canada Red’ Rheum rhubararum’ Chipman’s Canada Red’ Rheum rhubara

Because of its provenance, it is often referred to as “Canadian Red.” It was first established in cities such as Winnipeg. It became a sweet vegetable as a result of its exceptional cold-hardiness.

Temperatures of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit are required for this plant to grow. It prefers to be planted in the autumn rather than the winter or early spring. One year after planting, you may pick it in late spring or summer.

The stalk has a bright red-to-purple hue with a white center, making it easy to detect.

Crimson Red (Rheum x hybridum ‘Crimson Red’) is a variety of Rheum x hybridum.

The Crimson Red is a gorgeous rhubarb variety that is one of the simplest to cultivate. It is distinguished by its brilliant red stalks and capacity to thrive in temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a rule, it likes to begin in the autumn. To help it grow even better, plant it around 4 weeks before the last winter.

It develops in a year, growing to around 3 feet broad and 4 feet tall, much as other cold-hardy species.

German Wine (Rheum x coltorum ‘German Wine’) is a kind of Rheum x coltorum.

As you may expect, the name relates to the color’s distinctive crimson hue. This red wine has the intensity of a rose wine. And, what’s more, it’s one of the sweetest.

It is also a cold-hardy variant of the plant. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, for example (or even lower). It can, however, thrive in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

It has a thick stem that is juicier and fleshier than regular rhubarb. It may reach a width of around 3 feet and a height of no more than 2 feet.

Perpetual Glaskin’s Perpetual Glaskin’s Perpetual Glaskin’s Perpet (Rheum rhabarbarum)

This is a cultivar that originated in England. As a result, it can thrive in both chilly and warm areas (up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), however it prefers temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees.

The quick maturation is what makes it so intriguing. This rhubarb may be harvested earlier than other cultivars. The plant is ready to consume after it reaches a height of one foot. It may also be harvested later in the summer (because to the lower oxalic acid content) since it remains sweeter for longer.

The stalks are often red and green in color.

Grandad’s Favorite (Rheum x hybridum ‘Grandad’s Favorite’) is a variety of Rheum x hybridum.

Grandad’s Favorite is one of the highest-yielding rhubarb varieties, with a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. It’s a fantastic addition to salads and sauces.

This one reaches pink and green stems in terms of hue. The stalks may grow up to 2 feet tall. What’s more, it grows denser than the majority of other types.

It needs full light and well-drained soil to thrive. It loves warmer conditions in general than other types (40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit). After two years, it may reach a height and width of 3 feet.

7. Rheum rhabarbarum ‘Colorado Red’ (Hardy Tarty)

The Hardy Tarty, also known as the Colorado Red, is slightly tarter than other varieties for a reason. It has some of the highest levels of antioxidants and oxalic acid of any food.

However, this does not make it any less delectable. It will yield 3-foot tall stalks with a brilliant red to green hue and a white center after 2 years of development. In the late spring and summer, this discourse will be ready for consumption.

It requires relatively low temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit to develop. However, since it requires full light to develop, it may survive in warmer temperatures as well.

Rheum x hybridum ‘Holstein Bloodred’ (Rheum x hybridum ‘Holstein Bloodred’) (#8)

Holstein’s Bloodred is one of the juiciest and most vividly colored types. It has a nearly blood-colored stem with excitingly dark green foliage, as the name suggests. It’s a wonderful decorative variety because of the combination.

However, it is still edible, in fact, one of the most delicious. Most significantly, because of the 4- to 5-foot long stalks, it produces more than other types.

Temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit are required to grow it. It also requires regular sun exposure due to its large size.

9. Rheum rhabarbarum ‘GARrusarsabzar’ KangaRhu (Rheum rhabarbarum ‘GARrusarsabzar’)

The KangaRhu kind of rhubarb is one of the newest rhubarb varieties available. The name comes from the fact that it is an Australian native. As a result, it prefers a warm environment, requiring temperatures between 20 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit to grow.

It has a bright red stem, like most rhubarb varieties. This stalk is unexpectedly brilliant and, in some circumstances, has a little greenish tint.

You’ll need full sun exposure to flourish. It may become 3 feet tall under the correct circumstances and be harvested after 2 years in late spring to early autumn.

Prince Albert (Rheum x hybridum ‘Prince Albert’) (Rheum x hybridum ‘Prince Albert’) (Rheum x hybridum ‘Pri

The name is derived from the spouse of Queen Victoria. As you would expect, it’s an English heirloom cultivar that likes a climate similar to that of the United Kingdom. This is why it is ideal for locations with temperatures ranging from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Its green-to-red stalks may reach a height of 4 feet and a width of 3 feet. It will be ready to harvest in April or May after three years of growing.

Despite its greenish hue, this cultivar is sweet, but with a little acidity. It turns a pinkish tint when cooked.

Riverside Giant (Rheum x hybridum ‘Riverside Giant’) is a hybrid of Rheum x hybridum ‘Riverside Giant’ and Rheum x hybridum

This one is a colossus, as the name implies. The Riverside Giant may grow to be 4 feet wide and nearly 5 feet tall, making it far bigger than standard rhubarb.

It is distinguished not just by its size but also by its color. Unlike other types, this one never turns red or pink; it remains green throughout. It’s interesting to note that it’s still edible. It will be ready to harvest between April and June after three years of growing.

This species’ capacity to grow in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit is another distinguishing characteristic. It does, however, survive at roughly 20 degrees, much like the rest of the rhubarb family.

12. Rheum rhabarbarum ‘Sunrise’ (Rheum rhabarbarum ‘Sunrise’)

Sunrise or Early Rise species is a historical rhubarb type that is still popular today. This one stands out from the others since it has a pink stem, is thin yet juicy, and has one of the sweetest flavors. As a result, it’s a popular rhubarb pie filling.

Temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit are required for the plant to flourish. It can, however, resist temperatures of up to 40 degrees in moderately heated situations.

This plant may reach a height of 3 feet and a width of 2 feet if the appropriate circumstances are present. In around two years, it will be ready to harvest.  

Timperley Early (Rheum x hybridum ‘Timperley Early’) (Rheum x hybridum ‘Timperley Early’) (Rheum x hybridum ‘Timper

The Timperley Early is a high-yielding cultivar that also grows reasonably tall, producing 3-foot stalks ready to harvest as soon as 1 and a half years after planting. More curiously, you may harvest them without difficulty from February through March.

The stems with a red base and green upperparts are the ones that may reach a pinkish tone. The stalks have a green-to-white core and are still meaty.

They need wet soil, temperatures of roughly 20 degrees Fahrenheit (they may withstand 50 degrees), and full light, but they can also survive in partial shade.

Victoria is number fourteen (Rheum rhabarbarum)

Finally, we have the Victoria species, which is possibly the most popular of all rhubarb kinds globally. It was initially launched in 1837 and has since become a rhubarb staple all over the world.

The red-and-green stalks are the most easily identified. Apart from that, they provide a tarter, somewhat sweet taste to the rhubarb species. It’s also a popular choice for desserts.

Temperatures ranging from 10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit are required for growing it (it can withstand a bit colder and warmer nonetheless). It does, however, need a lot of sun exposure. It grows to be around 3 feet tall and 4 feet broad when completely developed.

Conclusion

With so many varieties of rhubarb to choose from, finding the perfect one should be simple. Just make sure it’s a species that will thrive in your environment and provide exactly what you’re looking for (ornamental, sweet, or tarty taste, long or short stalks, etc.).

Learning how to cultivate rhubarb shouldn’t be difficult if you’ve chosen the proper kind. So, what do you have to lose? Get your hands on one of these right now!

Check out some other fantastic articles!

Rhubarb Planting, Growing, and Care

Swiss Chard: How to Grow and Care for It

What is the best way to grow roses from cuttings? Complete Instructions

Growing Black Eyed Peas in Your Backyard: 10 Tips

Magic Mushrooms: How to Grow and Care for Them (Mushrooms containing psilocybin)

Rhubarb is a popular vegetable that can be grown in the garden. There are many varieties of rhubarb, with different colors and flavors. This article will list some of the most popular varieties for your garden. Reference: cherry red rhubarb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best variety of rhubarb to grow?

A: Rhubarb is a vegetable that can be grown in many different ways, depending on the variety. The best way to grow rhubarb would depend on where you are growing it, and what climate youre in as well.

What is the sweetest type of rhubarb?

A: Red Rhubarb is the sweetest type of rhubarb.

What are the different varieties of rhubarb?

A: There are three types of rhubarb, broad, leaf and red. Broad is the type most often found in grocery stores and can be used to make pie filling or jam. Leaf is a heirloom variety that has hardy leaves with an almost celery-like flavor and doesnt have stems while Red was bred for its deep ruby coloration

Related Tags

• green rhubarb varieties
• heritage rhubarb varieties
• crimson cherry rhubarb
• rare rhubarb varieties
• cherry red rhubarb seeds