Rhubarb

Rhubarb Champagne

• Position: full sun
• Soil: any, except waterlogged soils
• Rate of growth: average
• Other features: the leaves may cause severe discomfort if ingested; the scarlet leaf stalks are excellent for making pies, jams and wine
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Long, scarlet stems that have a deliciously sweet taste. Though an old variety, it is easy to grow, reliable and early. Perfect for fertile, well-drained areas of the vegetable garden or allotment, once planted it should not be moved and appreciates a generous annual mulch of well-rotted compost or manure.
  
  
• Garden care: Dig the area in autumn, incorporating a good amount of compost or well-rotted manure. Rake in a general fertiliser, such as Growmore in to the area just before planting. Keep plants well watered and remove any flowering shoots that appear. Mulch the crowns in January or February. It is best to allow new plants to become established during the first year before harvesting your first crop, so wait for 12 - 18 months before you start pulling the sticks.