Rhubarb 'Big Boy' Crown
Rheum x hybridumOriginally a Queensland market-garden variety, this is the rhubarb to grow if you want to win the best in show at your local fete. With ruby-red stems that colour all the way into the leaf veins, this variety is too big for supermarket shelves!
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Rhubarb 'Big Boy' Crown
Rhubarb is grown for its edible stems only as the leaves are inedible, even toxic, due to their high concentration of Oxalic Acid. If growing from seed, sow in trays at 20-23 deg C. Seed will germinate in 7-14 days and plants can be transplanted out into the garden at around 4-6 weeks once all likelihood of frost has passed. Although frost tolerant, young plants need a season to develop their crown. If growing from crowns, plant just below the soil surface and stake to remind yourself where it was planted. Crowns will produce edible stems in the first year, while seed grown rhubarb may take 2-3 years before harvest. To harvest, rip stems down and to the side rather than cutting. This helps to maintain the health of the overall plant. Apply Ocean Brew fortnightly during early spring to encourage healthy new growth. Grow in full sun however In hotter regions plants will benefit from protection from afternoon heat. Remove flower stalks as they emerge to conserve plants energy.