How to Grow Crimson Red Rhubarb
Wikimedia Commons
Crimson Red Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
vegetableCrimson Red Rhubarb is a perennial plant prized for its deep red, tart stalks that are harvested and used in pies, jams, and sauces. The plant produces large, deeply veined leaves and tall flower stalks if left unharvested. It is a cold-hardy, long-lived perennial that can produce for 10-15 years from a single planting.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Crimson Red Rhubarb in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Crimson Red Rhubarb timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Crimson Red Rhubarb
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Crimson Red Rhubarb
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Crimson Red Rhubarb dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7, with best performance in zones 3-6
Sign up free to see if Crimson Red Rhubarb grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Crimson Red Rhubarb timeline →Growth Stages
Leaf Growth (Spring)
April-MayLarge, crinkled leaves unfurl from the crown, expanding rapidly as temperatures warm.
Remove any flower stalks that appear to direct energy into leaf and stalk production. Water regularly and maintain consistent moisture. Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) monthly.
Stalk Development (Late Spring-Early Summer)
May-JuneRed stalks elongate and thicken, developing the characteristic deep crimson color. Leaves continue to expand and provide shade.
Continue regular watering and monthly fertilization. Remove flower buds promptly to maximize stalk quality and quantity. Maintain weed-free area.
Peak Harvest Season
April-June (main season); can extend into early July in cooler climatesStalks reach harvestable size (10-14 inches long, 1+ inch diameter) with vibrant red coloring from base to tip.
Begin light harvesting in year 2; full harvesting in year 3 onwards. Harvest by grasping stalk at base and pulling firmly outward and upward. Never remove more than 1/3 of stalks per plant per season.
Dormancy Preparation
July-OctoberAfter main harvest season, plant energy redirects to root system strengthening and flower stalk development if not removed.
Stop harvesting by late June to allow plant to build reserves for next season. Remove any remaining flower stalks. Reduce watering as temperatures rise. Apply balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer in early August.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove and destroy infested stalks and roots. Apply neem oil or spinosad in spring. Remove plant debris to eliminate overwintering sites.
-
Hand-pick beetles in early morning; drop into soapy water. Use floating row covers on young plants. Apply neem oil or kaolin clay spray.
-
and
Remove shelter and debris. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Apply food-grade diatomaceous earth around base. Hand-pick at night.
-
Ensure excellent drainage and avoid waterlogging. Remove and destroy infected plants. Do not replant rhubarb in same location for 3-4 years.
-
Spray with strong water spray to dislodge. Apply miticide or neem oil if infestation is severe. Maintain adequate humidity.
Uses
Pies, Jams & Desserts
CulinaryCrimson Red Rhubarb's tart flavor and striking color make it ideal for strawberry-rhubarb pies, jams, chutneys, and desserts. The deep red variety requires less added sugar than green varieties and produces vibrant finished products. [source]
Fresh Cooking & Beverages
CulinaryStalks can be poached, stewed, or used in compotes, cordials, and cocktails. The tender young stalks in spring have milder flavor and can be eaten raw in small quantities with sugar. [source]
Traditional Digestive Remedy
MedicinalRhubarb has been used in traditional medicine as a gentle laxative and digestive tonic. The roots contain anthraquinones and other compounds that support digestive function, though medicinal use should be discussed with a healthcare provider. [source]
Natural Dye & Cleaning
HouseholdRhubarb roots produce a yellow dye and the stems can be used in natural cleaning solutions. Historically used to create natural fabric dyes. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower, rhubarb's tall flower spikes attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity and ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting lightly in the second year (only a few stalks) and full harvesting by year 3. Harvest primarily from April through June, stopping by late June to allow plant recovery. Pull stalks at the base by grasping firmly and twisting outward and upward—never cut with a knife, as this can damage the crown. Never harvest more than 1/3 of stalks in a single season. Remove leaves immediately after harvest (they contain oxalic acid). Plants can produce for 10-15 years with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Crimson Red Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, not a fruit, though it's used in sweet applications. In a 1947 U.S. court case, rhubarb was classified as a fruit for tariff purposes because of its culinary use.
- 🌱 A single mature rhubarb plant can produce 15+ pounds of stalks per year, making it an extremely productive perennial crop that requires minimal annual replanting.
- 🌱 Rhubarb leaves contain high levels of oxalic acid and should never be eaten, though the stalks are perfectly safe. The roots, however, have been valued in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Crimson Red Rhubarb planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Crimson Red Rhubarb seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Crimson Red Rhubarb timeline →