Looking to buy rhubarb plants that will deliver dependable, year-after-year harvests? This guide highlights five top options that suit different garden goals. Best for kitchen gardeners seeking immediate planting success are crown varieties; best for long-term, low-maintenance performance are hardy bare-root or crown options; and for curiosity-driven gardeners, seeds offer a start-to-harvest path. The selections below cover a range of growing styles, climates, and yard spaces to help you decide which rhubarb plant fits your needs.
| Product | Type | Why It’s a Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Rhubarb Crown Ready to Plant | Crown | Ready to plant; large, healthy crown for quick establishment. |
| GURNEY’S Glaskin’s Perpetual Rhubarb Plant | Bare root (3 roots) | Established for multiple seasons; robust growth with deep soil requirements. |
| 5 Large Rhubarb Plants Roots for Planting | Root bundle | Multiple roots for rapid spread and larger initial harvest. |
| Votaniki Victoria Rhubarb Crown | Crown | Hardy and easy to grow; strong perennial performance. |
| Votaniki XXL Victoria Rhubarb Crown | Crown | High-yield, long-lasting crown with vigorous growth. |
Victoria Rhubarb Crown Ready to Plant
The Victoria rhubarb crown is presented as a large, perennial option that is ready to plant and described as super healthy. This crown is best for gardeners who want a straightforward installation with a strong first-year start. Suitable for home gardens and kitchen plots where a reliable supply of stalks is desired across multiple seasons.
- Best for: Immediate establishment and a strong root base right after planting.
- Why selected: A robust crown can reduce initial setup time and jump-start production.
- Caution: Crown quality varies by season; ensure planting in rich, well-drained soil to maximize vigor.
GURNEY’S Glaskin’s Perpetual Rhubarb Plant
Gurney’s Glaskin’s Perpetual Rhubarb Plant offers three bare root options per order, designed for deep, fertile soil and strong perennial performance. This choice suits gardeners who prefer to establish roots in prepared soil and rely on multiple years of harvest from a single planting.
- Best for: Gardeners who want a solid bare-root start and are able to cultivate deep, well-drained soil.
- Why selected: Three roots per offer provide redundancy and potential yield gains across seasons.
- Caution: Requires optimal soil conditions; may need more season-long attention to moisture and fertility.
5 Large Rhubarb Plants Roots for Planting
This option features five large live roots, described as suitable for home gardens and patches. It is a practical pick for gardeners seeking a quick cluster of plants to establish a larger rhubarb patch from the start.
- Best for: Home gardeners who want immediate patch expansion and multiple stalks early in the season.
- Why selected: Multiple roots can translate to earlier harvests and a fuller bed quickly.
- Caution: Roots sizes vary; ensure spacing is adequate to prevent crowding as plants grow.
Votaniki Victoria Rhubarb Crown
The Votaniki Victoria Rhubarb Crown emphasizes hardy growth with easy care and a long-term perennial harvest. This crown supports landscapes that favor low-maintenance plants with strong annual yields. It also notes the plant’s broad culinary use, including pies and sauces.
- Best for: Gardeners seeking resilience and an easy-to-grow perennial.
- Why selected: Victoria varieties are known for reliable performance and strong stalk production.
- Caution: In drier climates, ensure consistent moisture to maintain vigor in the crown’s early years.
Votaniki XXL Victoria Rhubarb Crown
The XXL Victoria Rhubarb Crown is described as high-yield and long-lasting, making it a strong choice for serious home cooks and those who want significant harvests over many years. It is positioned for easy growth and minimal ongoing maintenance after establishment.
- Best for: Gardeners aiming for substantial, ongoing harvests with less frequent replacement.
- Why selected: Higher yield potential and durable perennial performance.
- Caution: Growth and yield depend on proper planting depth and soil fertility; inadequate conditions can limit performance.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Rhubarb Purchases
- Plant type: Crown vs. bare root vs. seeds. Crowns offer quicker establishment; bare roots can be robust foundations; seeds require longer patience but enable variety planting.
- Site requirements: Rhubarb prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare soil with organic matter and ensure adequate moisture, especially during establishment.
- Climate suitability: Choose varieties known for cold-hardiness in USDA zones 3-8. Victoria-type cultivars are commonly recommended for cooler regions.
- Maintenance needs: Most rhubarb is low maintenance once established, but consistent moisture and nutrients help maximize yields.
- Harvest strategy: Plan harvest windows to avoid stressing the plant; stagger harvests to maintain crown health while providing seasonal stalks.
- Longevity and yield: Perennial rhubarb crowns can produce for many years with proper care; consider long-term goals when choosing crown vs. bare root.
- Space and layout: Allow 3 feet of spacing between plants to reduce competition and support larger stalks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon will rhubarb produce after planting a crown? – Crowns can begin producing stalks in the first or second growing season, depending on establishment and conditions.
- Is rhubarb suitable for containers? – Rhubarb can be grown in large containers, but crowns require ample root space and consistent moisture.
- What soil is best for rhubarb? – Rich, well-drained soil with ample organic matter supports strong growth and yields.
- How much sun does rhubarb need? – Full sun to partial shade; more sun generally means larger, redder stalks.
- Can I plant rhubarb near other vegetables? – Yes, but provide enough space and water resources to prevent competition.
- Do different rhubarb varieties taste different? – Varieties vary in stalk color and sweetness; most Victoria types are known for tenderness and tartness suitable for pies and sauces.