RHUBARB: Victoria
Net wt. 1g (Approx. 55 to 60 seeds)
'Victoria' is an old standard variety and proven to be one of the largest and most productive varieties. A very large plant with slender, tall and tender crimson red stalks that are milder and sweeter than other varieties. The stalks are a deep crimson red with a touch of green on the inside. The hint of a wine flavor makes it a good variety to use for pies and cobblers. First recorded in 1837 in England.
Starting from seed is not difficult but you will need to plant at least twenty seeds to cull out ones that do not exhibit the desired traits for the variety, some plants exhibit better stalk color than others. For the average family, three plants will be enough.
It is best to wait until the second year before harvesting stalks and even then only pull a few stalks off each plant. Pull the stalks instead of cutting and remove flower stalks as soon as you see them. You will not get full harvests until the third year. Rhubarb plantings will be productive for fifteen years or longer.
Though most people think of rhubarb as a fruit due to its use in jams and desserts, it is an easy-to-grow perennial vegetable that loves Alaska's cool climate.
Victoria makes the absolute best cooking type of rhubarb.
