Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a highly productive and hardy perennial variety of rhubarb, prized for its sweet-tart flavor and tender stalks. Known as "Pieplant," this rhubarb variety is perfect for gardeners seeking a reliable and consistent harvest of rhubarb for pies, jams, sauces, and other culinary creations. Unlike some rhubarb varieties that have a shorter harvest window, Glaskins Perpetual is known for producing harvestable stalks throughout much of the growing season, making it a great addition to both vegetable and edible gardens. With 25 seeds, you can grow your own perennial patch of this delicious and versatile plant.

Key Features:

• Perennial Growth: Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb is a perennial plant, meaning it comes back year after year, providing a long-term source of fresh rhubarb for your kitchen.
• Continuous Harvest: Known for its ability to produce rhubarb stalks over a prolonged period, Glaskins Perpetual offers a longer harvest window compared to many other rhubarb varieties.
• Tender Stalks: The plant produces thick, tender red to green stalks that are less fibrous and more flavorful than some other varieties, making them perfect for pies, jams, and other recipes.
• Cold Hardy: Glaskins Perpetual is a hardy variety that thrives in colder climates, making it suitable for gardeners in USDA Zones 3-8.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Glaskins Perpetual is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care to produce consistent crops year after year.
• Edible and Nutritious: The stalks are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

Growing Information:

Light:
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb prefers full sun for optimal growth, although it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the best results.

Soil:
Rhubarb thrives in well-draining, rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Improve soil drainage if needed, and consider adding compost to ensure the plant receives the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.

Planting Tips:
Start by soaking the seeds for 24 hours to speed up germination. Plant seeds in seed trays or pots with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. Press the seeds into the soil ¼ to ½ inch deep, and keep the soil lightly moist. After 4-6 weeks, once seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves, transplant them into the garden. Space plants about 3 feet apart to allow for their spreading growth. As a perennial, Glaskins Perpetual will establish roots over its first season, and you can begin harvesting stalks in the second year.

Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season, but avoid waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Rhubarb plants are quite thirsty, so regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods. Once established, they can tolerate some drought but perform best with regular moisture.

Temperature:
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb is cold-hardy and thrives in USDA Zones 3-8. It can withstand frosty conditions and even snow, making it an ideal choice for cooler climates. Rhubarb plants naturally go dormant in winter and will re-emerge in spring as the weather warms.

Benefits:

• Continuous Harvest: The Glaskins Perpetual variety provides a long harvest season, giving you a steady supply of rhubarb for months.
• Tasty and Versatile: The sweet-tart flavor of the rhubarb stalks makes them ideal for a wide range of recipes, including pies, crumbles, sauces, and jams. The stalks can also be frozen for later use.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Glaskins Perpetual is relatively easy to grow and care for, requiring minimal attention while delivering consistent crops each year.
• Cold Tolerant: Glaskins Perpetual thrives in colder climates and is able to survive through winter dormancy, making it a great addition to gardens in cooler regions.
• Nutrient-Rich: Rhubarb is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, adding nutritional value to your meals.

Growing Zones:
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8, making it suitable for regions with colder winters and moderate summers. It thrives in areas with cool, moist conditions but can also grow well in moderately warmer climates with sufficient water and shade during the hottest part of the day.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Edible Landscaping: This perennial rhubarb can be grown in edible landscapes alongside other herbs, vegetables, and fruit plants. It works well as a border plant, offering both beauty and utility in the garden.
• Raised Beds or Garden Beds: Rhubarb prefers rich, well-draining soil, so growing it in raised beds or amending the soil in traditional garden beds can yield the best results.
• As Part of a Perennial Garden: Because Glaskins Perpetual is a perennial, it can be planted in perennial garden beds where it will provide edible harvests for many years.
• Companion Planting: Rhubarb can be grown alongside other perennial vegetables, such as asparagus and kale. It also benefits from a mulch layer that helps retain moisture and protect the roots during the winter months.

Conclusion:
Glaskins Perpetual Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to grow a hardy, productive perennial that offers a generous harvest of delicious, nutrient-rich stalks year after year. With 25 seeds, you can cultivate your own patch of rhubarb and enjoy its sweet-tart flavor in a variety of culinary dishes. Ideal for colder climates, this variety is easy to grow, low-maintenance, and will continue to reward you with fresh rhubarb long after the initial planting. Whether you use it for pies, jams, or fresh desserts, Glaskins Perpetual is a must-have for any gardener interested in growing their own fruit and vegetables.