Viridis Hortus - Rhubarb Victoria - 250 (3.58g's) Fruit/Vegetable Seeds

The use of seed-bed raised one-year-old plants will speed up the time from crop establishment to first harvest, and will provide a crop in the second year, from March onwards. Rhubarb Victoria is one of the easiest Rhubarbs to raise from seed and can usually start to be harvested one year after sowing. It produces sweet, juicy, medium sized green stalks and greenish-red coloured leaves. It is a popular variety being extremely productive for years. For the home gardener, rhubarb will tolerate a fair amount of neglect and still thrive, they are very tough plants. You will probably get a mix of plant colours ranging from green through pink with a few plants with red or partly red stems. When grown as an ornamental, the huge leaves topped with tall stalks of white flowers with a green tinge are quite impressive. Planting out: For spring sown seedlings, transplant outside when the plants about 3 to 4in tall. For autumn sown seedlings, plant them outside in early April, as the weather turns warmer. Use a mixture of 50% compost and 50% garden soil. Protect the seedlings from the bright sun. Be careful to not over water it as rhubarb can get root rot if the ground is too wet. Space 1 metre (36in) apart. Much smaller will seriously crowd the plants, result in a diminished crop and increase the likelihood of spreading disease. A two to three year old plant can easily grow to 1.25m (48in) in diameter and 1m (36in) tall. Plant the roots with the crown bud 5cm (2in) below the surface of the soil. Dig the hole for the crown extra large and mix composted manure or peat moss with the soil to be placed around the roots. Firm the soil around the roots but keep it loose over the buds. Water and fertilise the crowns after planting. Harvesting: Remove the flower stalks as they are seen. During the first year of planting, the stalks should not be picked, All of the stalks of a plant may be harvested at one time, or pulled out selectively over a 4 to 6 week period.