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Try Rhubarb, A Big-Leaved Perennial Favorite!
Unusual stem crops, Rhubarb plants are often used as fruits, but they are actually perennial vegetables!
No self-respecting homestead or farmstead over the last couple hundred years would be without a large Rhubarb path alongside the sunny foundation, at the base of a fenceline or rock wall, or in the corner of a vegetable garden!
Featuring large, textured and ruffled leaves and blocky celery-like stems, Rhubarb plants make a lovely ornamental addition to any garden! Growing like a big ruffled Hosta, Rhubarb are as pretty as any large foliage ornamental with a tasty addition of edible stems!
While the roots have been used in medicinal preparations for centuries, and the leafy parts of the plant are considered toxic for ingestion - it's the plump succulent stems that are the real summer treats!
Chipman's Canada Red Rhubarb Plant, or Canadian Red features bright red stems through and through, while Victoria Rhubarb can have greenish interior stems with a red blush.
Chopped and added to pies, baked goods, breads, salads, wine, sauces, preserves, and syrups! The tart flavor is enhanced with sweetener but remains tangy! The stems can also be chopped and frozen for use year-round! In Europe, the stems are peeled and eaten salted, as well as in a myriad of other ways around the world!
Rhubarb Care & Harvesting
We sell Rhubarb plants as bare root divisions in spring, but we also sell container-grown plants that can be shipped and planted all throughout the growing season. Rhubarb is best grown in hardiness zones 3-8.
Rhubarb needs a sunny location and demands it is well-drained soil. Rhubarb is an easy-to-care-for and long-lived plant, and the only attention it generally needs is some watering during the first year in your garden! Mulch the site well with 3-4 inches of mulch around the site, which helps keep the foliage and stems cleaner.
Begin to harvest the stems once they get to be longer than a foot or so. Grab the stem close to the ground, and carefully pull individual stems out of the clump. Always harvest the oldest fattest stems now, but leave the younger and smaller stems in place to harvest at a later date. Don't cut the stems out as the most tender part of each stem is the part that gets pulled from the crown of the plants - so don't cut the bottom off. But do cut those tops close to the leaves as they are not edible.
If any flowering stems develop, carefully remove them right down to the soil before they bloom to keep the energy going into the stems. Trimming them out with garden pruners or a sharp knife.
Tasty Ruffled Perennial Rhubarb Plants!
New and experienced gardeners rejoice! Order your own red or green stemmed Rhubarb plants today from Nature Hills and enjoy these unique perennial vegetable plants for yourself (and friends and family) for years to come!
FAQS for Buying Rhubarb Online
What is Rhubarb and is it a fruit or a vegetable?
What is Rhubarb and is it a fruit or a vegetable?
Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that’s often treated like a fruit in culinary use. The stalks are tart and used in sweet dishes like pies, jams, sauces, and even wines. Only the stalks are edible, never the leaves, which are toxic. Rhubarb brings both ornamental beauty and edible value to the garden.
How do you grow Rhubarb successfully in your garden?
How do you grow Rhubarb successfully in your garden?
Rhubarb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8, this plant requires little care beyond watering during dry spells and applying mulch to retain moisture. It’s a long-lived perennial that gets stronger and more productive each year.
When and how do you harvest Rhubarb stalks?
When and how do you harvest Rhubarb stalks?
Rhubarb stalks are ready to harvest when they are at least 12 inches long. To harvest, gently grasp the stalk near the base and pull it from the crown rather than cutting it. Always remove any flower stalks early to direct the plant’s energy into producing more edible stems.
Are all Rhubarb varieties red inside and out?
Are all Rhubarb varieties red inside and out?
Not all Rhubarb varieties have fully red stems. Some, like Canadian Red or Chipman’s Canada Red, have solid red color, while others like Victoria Rhubarb may have green interiors with a red blush. All types are equally edible and flavorful, though color can influence the visual appeal of your dishes.
Is Rhubarb a good perennial plant for edible landscaping?
Is Rhubarb a good perennial plant for edible landscaping?
Yes, Rhubarb makes a stunning addition to edible landscapes. With its giant ruffled leaves and vibrant red or green stems, it adds bold texture and structure to garden beds. It's a beautiful and functional plant that returns year after year with minimal maintenance.