Victoria Rhubarb (Rheum × hybridum) is a classic heirloom variety grown for its tender, tart, red-green stalks used in pies, sauces, and preserves. Renowned for its reliability and high yield, Victoria is one of the most popular garden rhubarb varieties worldwide.
This Non-GMO perennial vegetable is prized for its vigorous growth and ornamental beauty, featuring large crinkled leaves and tall flowering stalks. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in cool to temperate climates and will produce for many years once established.
Features
- Classic heirloom rhubarb with tender, red-green stalks
- Non-GMO and long-lived perennial vegetable
- High yield and excellent tart flavor for desserts and preserves
- Cold-hardy and easy to grow in home gardens
- Attractive foliage for edible landscaping
- Low maintenance once established
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Rheum × hybridum
- Common Name: Victoria Rhubarb
- Plant Type: Perennial vegetable
- Growth Height: 2–3 feet
- Spread: 3–4 feet
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained loamy soil; pH 6.0–6.8 preferred
- Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
- Foliage: Large green leaves with red-green stalks
- Flower Color: Cream to white panicles
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Planting Season: Spring or fall
- Sowing Depth: ½ inch
- Germination Time: 15–30 days
- Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
- Maintenance: Remove flower stalks to promote stalk production
- Harvest Time: Second year after planting; harvest mature stalks only
- Toxic Parts: Leaves are not edible (contain oxalic acid)
- Uses: Culinary vegetable for pies, jams, sauces, and edible landscaping
Planting Guide
- Prepare Soil: Enrich soil with compost; ensure good drainage.
- Sow Seeds: Plant ½ inch deep in early spring indoors or directly outdoors after frost.
- Light: Provide full sunlight for best stalk color and yield.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods.
- Transplanting: Space 3 feet apart; allow room for spreading.
- Care: Remove flower stalks to encourage more leaf growth.
- Harvest: Begin light harvesting in the second year; never harvest more than half of the stalks at once.