Rhubarb - Gaskin's Perpetual

Enjoy extended harvests and excellent flavor with Rhubarb Gaskin’s Perpetual, a unique and productive variety known for its long picking season and tender, flavorful stalks. This classic variety produces attractive pink to light red stems with a mild, less acidic flavor than many traditional rhubarb types, making it especially popular for pies, jams, sauces, and desserts.

Gaskin’s Perpetual rhubarb is valued for its ability to produce harvestable stalks later into the season compared to many other varieties. The vigorous plants form large leafy clumps that return year after year, increasing in productivity as they mature. Its dependable growth and long harvest window make it an excellent choice for home gardens.

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Plant Details

Plant Type: Perennial Edible Root (Crown)
Stalk Color: Pink to light red with green undertones
Flavor: Mild, tender, and less acidic
Plant Height: 24–36 inches
Harvest Time: Late spring through summer
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Uses: Pies, jams, sauces, desserts, baking, and preserves

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Growing Instructions for Zone 3b

Rhubarb thrives in colder climates and performs exceptionally well in Zone 3b gardens.

Planting Time
Plant rhubarb crowns in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in early fall before the ground freezes.

Location
Choose a location with full sun to partial sun and rich, well-drained soil. Rhubarb prefers soil high in organic matter.

Planting Depth

• Dig a hole large enough to comfortably spread the roots.
• Position the crown so the buds sit about 1–2 inches below the soil surface.
• Cover with soil and water thoroughly.

Spacing
Space plants 36–48 inches apart to allow room for large mature clumps.

Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, especially while plants are establishing.

Fertilizing
Apply compost or a balanced fertilizer each spring to encourage strong growth and healthy stalk production.

Harvesting

• Do not harvest during the first year to allow plants to establish.
• Beginning in the second year, harvest stalks by gently pulling and twisting them from the base.
• Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at one time.

Important Note

• Only the stalks are edible.
• Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and should not be eaten.

Winter Care in Zone 3b

• Rhubarb is extremely winter hardy and remains in the ground year-round.
• After frost kills the foliage in fall, remove old leaves and apply mulch if desired.

With proper care, Gaskin’s Perpetual Rhubarb will provide dependable harvests for many years, offering tender stalks and a longer picking season for delicious homemade recipes.