Rhubarb – Crimson Cherry
Crimson Cherry Rhubarb is a classic garden favorite known for its vibrant deep red stalks and rich, tangy flavor. This productive perennial produces thick, tender stems that are perfect for pies, jams, sauces, and baking. Its bright color and balanced tartness make it especially desirable for desserts and preserves.
Crimson Cherry is valued for its strong growth, cold hardiness, and dependable harvests year after year. Once established, rhubarb plants can produce for many seasons with minimal maintenance. The large leafy plants also make an attractive addition to the garden with their bold green foliage and striking red stems.
Only the stalks are edible and commonly used in cooking, while the leaves should not be consumed.
Growing Instructions (Zone 3b)
Rhubarb thrives in colder climates and is exceptionally well suited to Zone 3b gardens.
- Planting Time: Plant rhubarb crowns or divisions in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, typically late April to May in Zone 3b. Fall planting is also possible.
- Sun: Full sun is best, though plants tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0–6.8.
- Planting Depth: Plant crowns so the buds sit about 1–2 inches below the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 3–4 feet apart to allow room for mature growth.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season.
- Fertilizing: Add compost or well-rotted manure in spring to encourage vigorous growth.
- Harvest: Do not harvest the first year to allow the plant to establish. Light harvesting can begin in the second year, with full harvests starting in the third year. Pull stalks from the base rather than cutting them.
- Maintenance: Remove flower stalks if they appear to direct energy back into leaf and stem production.
Crimson Cherry rhubarb is a long-lived perennial that rewards gardeners with delicious harvests every spring.