Rhubarb Now?

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

Apologies for repetition.

Is now a good time to plant a shop bought Rhubarb crown? You know, the little ones hidden in a small bag of compost.

Any recommendations for a good variety?

I have tried a couple of years ago and the bit I purchased came to nothing. Probably the wrong time of year.

Thanks.

[veggiechicken]

I bought 5 "Raspberry Red" ones last year for 10p each in H0meb@se. Never thought they'd do anything but thought 50p was worth gambling.
They all grew (in pots) and have since been planted out. This year they're all sending up new leaves

[Kristen]

Is now a good time to plant a shop bought Rhubarb crown? You know, the little ones hidden in a small bag of compost.

Personally I don't think any time is good for them - no way of telling how long they have been, bone dry, in the bags hanging on the shelf - although Rhubarb is very robust and of all the dessicated plants on the rack probably has the best chance of surviving. Even if it does the bag-on-shelf is a stressful experience and likely to take the plant a year to recover before it starts then growing vigorously. You can save that first year by planting a decent plant in the first place, they cost about £6 - £7

Any recommendations for a good variety?

I recommend an Early and a Main - e.g. Timperley Early and Champagne. You could consider an Autumn variety too, if you are mad keen on Rhubarb

I have tried a couple of years ago and the bit I purchased came to nothing. Probably the wrong time of year.

Or it was already dead when you bought it?

[maverick451]

Ive never had any luck with Rhubard crowns, Id buy plants from the garden centre.

Last year I also tried buying 5 small plants from ebay but only 1 looks to be coming back at the moment.

I adore a bargain but I think in this case its a false economy.

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

Thanks for the replies. Glad I resisted the other day, though I guess they must work for some people... I think I had a dud un'

I'll look for a healthy looking plant next time I swing by the GC. I am not mad keen on Rhubarb, just would like some in the garden for when it takes my fancy.

Recommendations noted. Thank You!

[alldigging]

I think I'd got one form B&Q years ago. It grew.

Since then I have grown it from seed. Easy peasy!

[veggiechicken]

I've been digging up all the odd bits of rhubarb in the garden and replanting them together in a rhubarb bed. At the last count, there were 19 plants and I still have a few more to find - and 3 little Victoria's in pots to plant out.
You could say that I like rhubarb