Rhubarb, Valentine Red, Bare Root Crown

Rhubarb, Valentine Red (Rheum rhabarbarum 'Valentine Red')

Valentine Red rhubarb is a standout variety prized for its vibrant red stalks, sweet-tart flavor, and versatility in the kitchen. Known for its low oxalic acid content, it produces stalks that are tender and richly colored, even when cooked. As a cold-hardy perennial, this variety is perfect for integrating into edible landscapes, food forests, and regenerative garden systems, providing a reliable harvest each spring.

Key Characteristics

• Brilliant Red Stalks with Superior Flavor
  Valentine Red offers thick, bright red stalks with a pleasantly sweet-tart flavor, ideal for pies, jams, sauces, and desserts. Its bold color remains vivid even after cooking, making it a favorite for visually striking dishes.

• Low Oxalic Acid Content
  This variety has reduced oxalic acid levels compared to other rhubarb types, resulting in stalks that are less tart and require less sugar in recipes. The lower acidity also enhances the tender texture.

• Cold-Hardy and Long-Lived Perennial
  Valentine Red thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in cooler climates. With proper care, it can produce for 10 years or more, making it a valuable addition to perennial gardens.

• Ornamental and Edible Appeal
  Beyond its culinary uses, Valentine Red rhubarb boasts large, lush green leaves and colorful stalks that add beauty to any garden bed or edible landscape. It’s also a great choice for permaculture systems and borders.

• Easy to Grow and Adaptable
  This variety thrives in full sun and medium to medium-wet soils with good drainage. Rhubarb is low-maintenance and benefits from rich, organic matter and consistent moisture.

Product Details

• Native Range: Central Asia (cultivated globally)
• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet, well-drained
• Mature Height: 2-3 feet
• Harvest Window: Mid to late spring
• Bloom Time: May to June (if allowed to flower)
• Bloom Color: White to pale green (flower stalks should typically be removed to focus energy on edible stalks)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Valentine Red rhubarb combines ornamental beauty, rich flavor, and reliable productivity. Ideal for cold climates and regenerative gardens, this perennial crop will brighten both your dishes and your garden with its striking red stalks.