Victoria

Victoria Rhubarb

A classic favourite, Victoria produces vibrant red stalks with a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavour. Once established, it delivers heavy, reliable crops year after year with tender, non-stringy stems — ideal for crumbles, jams, and desserts.

Harvest

March to August, starting two years after planting. After the first year, you can harvest a couple of stems, but it’s best to wait until the second year. To pick, hold the base of the stalk and pull out and away from the plant.

Growing Instructions

• Planting: 75cm–1m apart in well-drained soil and partial shade.
• Watering: Keep well watered until established and during dry periods.
• Maintenance: Remove dead leaves in autumn and keep the bed weed-free. After the first spring, remove flower heads. Always leave at least five growing stems when harvesting.
• Forcing: For early harvests, use rhubarb that is three years or older. Cover with a light-blocking container, box, or sack to force upward growth. Pull stems as they reach the right size — they’ll be bright red with a sweet flavour. Do this only up to March/April, then remove the cover and let the plant grow normally.

Top Tips

• Alternate Forcing: Don’t force the same plant two years in a row; rotate with another for best results.
• Eat Stems Only: Rhubarb leaves are toxic, so always stick to the stalks.
• Space Matters: Give each plant plenty of room to develop heavy crops.
• Weed-Free Bed: Keeping the area clean improves growth and flavour.