The Sweetest Rhubarb? Meet Fulton's Strawberry Surprise

Rheum x hybridum

Rhubarb Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise is a top-tier choice if you’re searching for a standout rhubarb variety to elevate your kitchen garden. This award-winning Rheum × hybridum cultivar has gained widespread recognition for its striking red stems, exceptional flavour, and vigorous growth habit. It holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, a mark of excellence awarded only to varieties that perform reliably in UK growing conditions.

Named for its sweet, strawberry-like undertones and beautifully rich colouring, Strawberry Surprise has also been voted the best-flavoured rhubarb in RHS Wisley Trials. Whether you’re new to growing rhubarb or looking to upgrade your patch with a premium cultivar, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from planting and care to harvesting and culinary inspiration.

Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise stands out in both performance and aesthetics. Its vivid, cherry-red stalks deliver an eye-catching display in the garden and a second-to-none flavour. The variety offers a delicately balanced acidity with natural sweetness, making it ideal for sweet and savoury dishes.

In addition to its outstanding taste, it’s a high-yielding, low-maintenance perennial, making it an excellent option for novice and experienced gardeners alike. This variety establishes quickly, tolerates a range of soil types, and produces abundant, tender stalks from early spring to mid-summer.

Soil Preparation: The Foundation of Success

Choose a sunny or lightly shaded location with deep, fertile, and well-drained soil to give your rhubarb the best possible start. Avoid poorly drained or compacted areas, as rhubarb crowns are vulnerable to rot in waterlogged conditions.

Before planting:

• Remove all weeds thoroughly to reduce competition.
• Dig in generous amounts of well-rotted manure or garden compost to enrich the soil.
• Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH (around 6.0–6.8). A soil test kit will help you adjust conditions as needed.

Planting Rhubarb Crowns: Step-by-Step

The best time to plant is between late autumn and early spring, during the plant’s dormant period.

1. Dig a wide hole large enough to spread the roots comfortably.
2. Set the crown so the top sits around 3cm (1 inch) below soil level.
3. Space multiple plants 75cm (30 inches) apart, with 1.2m (4 feet) between rows to allow room for mature growth.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the crown.

Avoid harvesting in the first year to allow the plant to establish a strong root system.

Light and Soil Preferences

• Full sun is ideal, though this variety will tolerate partial shade without a drop in performance.
• Ensure the soil is moist yet well-drained throughout the growing season.
• Improve heavy clay soils by incorporating organic matter and grit to improve structure and drainage.

Watering and Feeding

• Water consistently during dry spells, particularly in spring and early summer when growth is most active.
• Apply a generous mulch of compost or manure around (but not on top of) the crown each autumn to feed the plant and suppress weeds.
• In early spring, consider using an organic fertiliser to encourage strong new growth.

Patience pays off with rhubarb. For the first growing season, resist the urge to harvest. This allows energy to go into root and crown development, laying the groundwork for many productive seasons.

From year two onwards:

• Harvest stalks when they reach around 30–40cm (12–16 inches) long.
• Gently pull and twist the stalks away from the base—avoid cutting, as this can damage the crown.
• Always leave at least one-third of the stalks to support ongoing plant health.
• Harvest from April through to late July, after which the plant benefits from a rest.

Rhubarb Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise isn’t just a beauty in the garden—it’s a flavour powerhouse in the kitchen. Its stunning red colour holds well during cooking, adding vibrancy and appeal to various dishes.

Top culinary uses include:

• Traditional rhubarb crumble or pie—its sweet-tart balance makes it a perfect filling.
• Homemade preserves, jams, and chutneys pair beautifully with strawberries, ginger, or orange zest.
• Compotes and sauces—ideal with yoghurt, pancakes, or porridge.
• Creative savoury recipes—add a sharp contrast to rich meats like pork belly or duck.
• Infused beverages and cordials, including rhubarb gin and wine, for a refreshing twist.

Thanks to its tender stalks and excellent colour retention, this variety is particularly well-suited to freezing, allowing you to enjoy its flavour throughout the year.

Whether you’re growing rhubarb for its culinary value, ornamental beauty, or ease of care, Fulton’s Strawberry Surprisedelivers on all fronts. Its vivid red stalks, refined flavour, and reliable yields make it a game-changer for UK gardeners.

With some initial preparation and seasonal care, this superb variety will reward you with decades of harvests and a constant supply of delicious, homegrown rhubarb.

For best results:

• Choose a sunny, well-drained spot
• Enrich your soil before planting
• Water well in dry spells and mulch annually
• Avoid harvesting in the first year
• Enjoy a generous, flavour-packed crop every spring

Rhubarb Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise is more than just a pretty plant—a gourmet ingredient and a garden investment. Whether cooking for the family or gifting homemade rhubarb jam, this variety will keep your kitchen and garden bursting with colour and flavour.

I’ve grown a lot of rhubarb over the years, but Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise is special. It’s one of those varieties that ticks every box—easy to grow, stunning to look at, and packed with flavour. I love how early in the season it starts cropping, with rich red stalks that add real colour to the garden and the kitchen. It’s gratifying in my patch for crumbles, jams, and even a cheeky rhubarb gin. What impresses me most is how reliably it performs—vigorous growth year after year with very little fuss. If you’re looking for a rhubarb that combines beauty, flavour, and resilience, this one won’t disappoint you. I wouldn’t be without it in my garden.

Key Points to Remember:

• Award-winning variety, voted the best flavoured rhubarb in RHS Wisley Trials
• Produces vigorous plants with vivid red stems
• Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil
• Requires plenty of well-rotted manure or compost for optimal growth
• Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Harvest from early spring, taking care to leave some stems for continuous production
• Perfect for pies, crumbles, and other desserts

Rhubarb Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise is a must-have for any gardener looking to grow a delicious, reliable, and visually stunning variety. This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner will provide years of tasty harvests with proper care.

To see the RHS article, please click here

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here

Read about Rhubarb Victoria here

Q: What Makes Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise Rhubarb Unique?

A: Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise is an exceptional rhubarb variety, celebrated for its well-balanced acidity and striking pink stems. It is a vigorous and reliable plant that produces flavourful, high-quality rhubarb, making it a perfect choice for culinary use. This variety has also been recognised with the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), highlighting its outstanding performance in UK gardens. Combining ornamental beauty with exceptional taste, it remains a firm favourite among gardeners and home growers.

Q: Where Can I Buy Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise Rhubarb?

A: You can purchase Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise rhubarb at garden centres and online nurseries across the UK. Always buy from a reputable supplier to ensure you receive a healthy and well-established plant.

Q: How Can I Ensure My Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise Rhubarb Grows Well?

A: For successful growth, plant Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise rhubarb in well-drained soil enriched with plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. Choose a sunny location, as rhubarb thrives in full sun. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will keep the plant healthy. Applying a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, contributing to its long-term vitality.

Q: When Can I Expect to Harvest My Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise Rhubarb?

A: You can typically begin harvesting your rhubarb from late spring to early summer. In its first year, allow the plant to establish itself by refraining from harvesting stalks. From the second year onwards, you can begin picking by pulling (rather than cutting) the stalks from the base. Always leave a few stems on the plant to support its regeneration for the following season.

Q: How Tall Can Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise Rhubarb Grow?

A: This variety can grow up to 120cm in height, making it a striking and productive addition to your garden. Plant the crowns just below the soil surface for optimal growth, ensuring they have sufficient space to spread and develop a strong root system.

Q: Can I Use Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise in Desserts?

A: Absolutely! This variety is ideal for classic desserts such as rhubarb crumbles, pies, and jams. It’s naturally sweet yet slightly tart flavour enhances baked goods, compotes, and even savoury dishes. Whether enjoyed fresh, stewed, or baked, Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise adds a delicious and distinctive twist to any recipe.

Q: What Should I Do if My Rhubarb Plants Experience Dieback?

A: Dieback can occur due to environmental stressors such as drought, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies. If you notice signs of dieback, please ensure your plant receives adequate water, particularly during dry periods, and apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring. Removing any dead or damaged stems will also encourage fresh, healthy growth.

Q: Are There Any Specific Care Tips for Planting Rhubarb Crowns?

A: Yes! When planting rhubarb crowns, position them just below the soil surface with the buds exposed. Please choose a location with fertile, well-drained soil and enrich it with well-rotted manure or compost to provide essential nutrients. Avoid harvesting in the first year to allow the plant to establish a robust root system, ensuring a strong and healthy future crop.

Q: How Does Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise Compare in Taste to Other Rhubarb Varieties?

A: Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise is well known for its balanced acidity, offering a naturally sweeter flavour than many other rhubarb varieties. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less sharp, more fruity taste in their rhubarb dishes. With its smooth texture and vibrant colour, it is highly sought after for both cooking and preserving.