How to Grow Rhubarb 'Canada Red' Valentine
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Rhubarb 'Canada Red' Valentine
Rheum rhabarbarum 'Canada Red' Valentine
vegetableA perennial rhubarb cultivar prized for its deep red stalks and excellent flavor. 'Canada Red' Valentine produces vibrant crimson petioles that remain red throughout cooking without fading to green. This hardy variety is exceptionally cold-tolerant and well-suited to northern climates.
When should you plant Rhubarb 'Canada Red' Valentine in your zone?
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Example Rhubarb 'Canada Red' Valentine timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rhubarb 'Canada Red' Valentine
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Rhubarb 'Canada Red' Valentine
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7, with exceptional cold hardiness to zone 2
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Get my Rhubarb 'Canada Red' Valentine timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
Full growing season (spring to fall)Initial crown development with 3-5 large leaves emerging from the crown; reddish petioles beginning to show color
Do not harvest. Remove flower stalks (seed heads) immediately to direct energy to root development. Water regularly during dry spells. Mulch around crown with 2-3 inches of compost.
Early Production (Year 2)
8-10 weeks of light harvestEstablished crown producing multiple thick, deeply red petioles; plant reaches 24-30 inches in height
Begin light harvesting in late spring (harvest only 1/3 of stalks). Continue removing flower stalks. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer.
Full Production (Year 3+)
8-10 weeks of spring/early summer harvestMature plant producing abundant thick, vibrant crimson stalks with excellent pigmentation; leaf blades large and robust
Harvest aggressively but sustainably (remove up to 2/3 of stalks). Fertilize in spring and early summer. Divide crowns every 5-7 years when vigor declines.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy affected stalks; apply neem oil in spring; encourage beneficial insects; remove plant debris
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Hand-pick affected leaves; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain plant vigor
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; do not mulch directly against crown; plant in raised beds if soil stays wet
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Prevent by maintaining dry crown area; improve drainage; remove affected portions with sterile knife; apply sulfur dust
Uses
Pies, Cobblers & Desserts
CulinaryThe tart, intense flavor and vibrant red color make Canada Red Valentine ideal for classic rhubarb pies, crisps, and cobblers. The deep pigmentation remains brilliant even after cooking, creating visually stunning desserts without added colorants. [source]
Jams, Compotes & Sauces
CulinaryMakes exceptional jam, sauce, and compote with natural tartness that pairs well with strawberries, ginger, and vanilla. The high pectin content in rhubarb makes jam-making successful with minimal additives. [source]
Digestive & Laxative Traditional Use
MedicinalRhubarb has been used in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese herbal practice, for digestive support and gentle laxative effects. The plant contains sennosides and anthraquinones with documented effects on bowel regularity. [source]
Natural Cleaning & Dye
HouseholdThe leaves contain compounds useful for making natural cleaning solutions and plant-based dyes for textiles. Historically used to create yellow and red dyes in textile production. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to flower (typically in year 2+), rhubarb produces tall stalks with clusters of small flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Provides early season nectar source. [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 in late spring of year 2 when stalks are at least 12 inches long. Harvest by grasping stalk near base and twisting/pulling upward rather than cutting to avoid damage. Never harvest more than 1/3 of stalks in year 2, increasing to 2/3 in subsequent years. Stop harvesting by late June (or early July in cooler zones) to allow plant to rebuild reserves. Discard leaves (they contain oxalic acid and are toxic). Stalks are best when firm and deeply colored.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Canada Red Valentine is specifically bred for northern gardeners and can survive winter temperatures below -40°F with proper mulching, making it one of the hardiest rhubarb varieties available.
- 🌱 Despite its name, rhubarb is botanically a vegetable (the leaf petiole), not a fruit, but it's treated as a fruit culinarily. The leaves are toxic due to high oxalic acid content and should never be eaten.
- 🌱 A mature rhubarb plant can live for 15-20+ years and may produce for decades with minimal care, making it one of the longest-producing perennial crops in the garden.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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