Rhubarb

Rhubarb Raspberry Red

• 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
  
  Raspberry Red is a new rhubarb variety producing high quality deep red thick stalks without the need for forcing. The taste is sweet. It is ideal for well-drained areas of the vegetable garden, and once planted it should not be moved. The plant would benefit from 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 into 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.