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Rhubarb Chipman Red

Rhubarb Chipman Red

Rheum rhabarbarum 'Chipman Red'

vegetable

Chipman Red is a cold-hardy rhubarb cultivar prized for its deep red stalks and excellent flavor. Developed in Canada, it is a perennial plant that produces edible petioles (leaf stalks) year after year with minimal maintenance. This variety is particularly valued for its vibrant color and superior taste compared to many other rhubarb varieties.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but produces better yields in full sun
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Water: Consistent moisture, approximately 1-1.5 inches per week; water deeply at the base; reduce watering in fall to encourage dormancy
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Spacing: 36 inches
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Days to maturity: Harvest begins in year 2-3; established plants produce for 8-15 years
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Planting depth: Plant dormant crowns 2 inches deep with buds just above soil surface; space 3 feet apart

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
Compost aged manure peat moss bone meal

Growing Zones

Find your zone β†’

Thrives in zones 2-7, with exceptional cold hardiness making it ideal for northern climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy

Winter months; dormancy breaks in early spring when soil warms

Plant is underground as a thick rhizome with buds; appears inactive

Plant crowns in early spring or fall; ensure good drainage to prevent rot; mulch lightly in winter in colder zones

2

Early Growth

2-3 weeks in spring

Leaf buds emerge in spring; small red shoots push through the soil; new leaves unfurl with reddish coloration

Remove any flower stalks that appear in first year to direct energy to root establishment; apply balanced fertilizer as growth begins

3

Vegetative

4-6 weeks

Rapid growth of large leaves on long, deep red stalks; plant reaches full size with leaves 2-3 feet tall

Keep soil consistently moist; mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds; do not harvest in first year

4

Flowering

Late spring through early summer

Tall flower stalks emerge with green or reddish buds developing into small cream-colored flowers in clusters

Remove flower stalks immediately to prevent seed production and direct plant energy toward stalk development; flowering reduces edible stalk quality

5

Harvest & Senescence

6-8 weeks; harvest window June-July in most climates

Stalks reach full length and diameter; leaves may yellow as season progresses; plant begins to slow growth in midsummer

Harvest by pulling or cutting outer stalks; stop harvesting 6-8 weeks before first frost to allow plant to store energy for winter dormancy

Companion Planting

Plan your garden β†’

Plant with:

Asparagus garlic onions strawberries brassicas peas

Avoid planting near:

Dock sorrel plants requiring frequent tilling

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers in spring; apply neem oil or spinosad if severe

  • Remove and destroy affected stems; maintain plant vigor through proper irrigation; cultivate soil in fall to expose larvae

  • and (fungal)

    Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering and mulching directly against crown; remove diseased tissue; improve air circulation

  • Hand-pick affected leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects

Uses

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Baking & Desserts

Culinary

Rhubarb's tart flavor is classic in pies, crumbles, jams, and cobblers, often paired with strawberries or sweeter fruits. The vibrant red color of Chipman Red makes it particularly attractive in baked goods and preserves. [source]

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Sauces & Beverages

Culinary

Makes excellent stewed rhubarb sauce for yogurt, ice cream, and compotes; can be fermented or used in homemade rhubarb wine and cordials. [source]

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Digestive & Laxative Properties

Medicinal

Rhubarb root and rhizome have been used in traditional medicine for digestive support and as a natural laxative due to anthraquinone compounds. Chipman Red stalks contain anthocyanins with antioxidant properties. [source]

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Natural Dye & Cleaning

Household

The roots can produce a yellow dye; rhubarb leaves (not edible stalks) contain oxalic acid and were historically used as a natural cleaning agent and pesticide. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Rhubarb flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity when flowers are allowed to bloom. [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 light harvesting in year 2 (harvest 2-3 stalks per plant); full harvesting from year 3 onwards (harvest 50-75% of stalks). Harvest from June through early July, stopping 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Pull stalks from the base by gripping near the crown and twisting gently, or cut with a sharp knife. Discard leaves as they contain oxalic acid and are toxic. The stalks are ready when they reach 12-18 inches long and 1-2 inches in diameter. Younger, thinner stalks are more tender. A single plant can produce 2-4 pounds of edible stalks per year at maturity.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Chipman Red was developed at the Morden Research Station in Manitoba, Canada, making it one of the hardiest rhubarb varieties available for northern gardeners.
  • 🌱 Rhubarb is botanically a vegetable but legally a fruit in the United Statesβ€”a 1947 tariff ruling classified it as a fruit due to its culinary use in desserts, making it one of only a few plants with this distinction.
  • 🌱 A single rhubarb plant can live and produce for 15+ years with minimal care once established, making it one of the longest-producing perennial vegetables in the garden.

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