RHUBARB Seeds, Victoria

Victoria (Rheum rhabarbarum 'Victoria') is a hardy heirloom rhubarb grown for its thick, tart stalks that blend green and red. A long-lived perennial that comes back year after year for pies, sauces, and preserves.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Rheum rhabarbarum 'Victoria'
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated perennial
• Hardiness: perennial in USDA zones 3 to 8
• First harvest: lightly in the second year, fully from the third year on
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 3 to 4 feet apart
• Planting depth: 1/2 inch for seed
• Mature height: 2 to 3 feet

Best for

• Pies, crisps, and crumbles
• Sauces and compotes
• Jams and preserves
• A permanent edible perennial bed
• Tart spring desserts

How to grow

Start seeds indoors and transplant to a permanent, sunny spot in deep, rich, well-drained soil. Rhubarb is a long-lived perennial, so prepare the bed well and avoid harvesting the first year to let the crowns establish. Water consistently and feed each spring. Harvest stalks by pulling, never the leaves. Only the stalks are edible; the leaves contain oxalic acid and are poisonous if eaten.

Flavor profile

Bright, sharply tart, and tangy, mellowing into a rich flavor when sweetened and cooked.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms specializes in non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seeds chosen for flavor and reliability, so you can grow proven varieties and save seed season after season.