Rhubarb question

[TRAILRIDER]

Are there some varieties of rhubarb that never get red stems? My rhubarb (I don't know the variety and have only one plant) is big and sturdy looking, but all green. Any ideas? Mary.

[ai731]

I think the redness of the stems has to do with all kinds of factors - my rhubarb plant tends to make skinny red stems and fat green stems. They both taste pretty much the same. Are the stems *completely* green, or is there a tinge of red on the round side near the soil level? If they're completely green I'd wait a bit for them to "ripen" some more.

Jan

[culpeper]

Yes, there are varieties of rhubarb that don't get red. In fact, in my part of the world, the red stemmed varieties are becoming increasingly hard to find. If your stems are more green, then they'll stay that way. If red, they start off red.

I get really peeved when I buy a rhubarb seedling which has a lovely picture of bright red stems on the label - but I end up with green stems. I call that a rip-off.

They all taste like rhubarb - and I guess you could try using food colouring when you cook it - but I haven't tried it, so it could well turn a horrible brown instead of red, so try a little bit first, eh!

[Corky]

Mine is green too. I planted it a few years ago and the picture on the package showed red rubarb.
Now that it has been there a few years it has some red in it sometimes.

I have been told that the older the plants are the redder they get.
I have been told that the green is called pie plant.
It is the same plant.
My guess is soil conditions probably have a lot to do with it.
My green rubarb is very good so no complaints here.

[Bonnie L]

There are different varieties of rhubarb but they taste pretty much the same. I have both green & red on the outside, all green inside. Saw one last week that was red all the way thru. I'll have to find out the name & see if I can get some roots. I'll try to remember to post the name when I found out.

[ronbre]

yes some are all green..some are called pie plant that are smaller and some rhubarb that are bright red are called "valentine"

[TRAILRIDER]

Oh all good advice. I also bought a plant and the picture on the tag was of a red stem plant. I will wait til next spring to try some of it. I have heard the early growing season is the time to use the rhubard as it might be tough or fibrous later in the summer. Is this true? Anybody cutting thier rhubarb now? Mary.

[Bonnie L]

Originally Posted by TRAILRIDER

I have heard the early growing season is the time to use the rhubarb as it might be tough or fibrous later in the summer. Is this true? Anybody cutting their rhubarb now? Mary.

True. Keep pulling the bigger stalks (don't cut - just pull) & pull out flowers. Keep the plant well watered & it will last longer. You'll know it's season is up when the stalks are more hollow than solid.

[Jennifer L.]

'Victoria' is a common one grown from seed and it's usually green. Not as pretty as the red kinds, but if you throw in some strawberries it gets red, anyway, and tastes great!

Jennifer