Why Rhubarb Raspberry Red is the Ideal Choice for Your Garden

Rheum x hybridum, Malinow

Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ is a standout variety prized for its deep crimson stalks, vigorous habit, and superb flavour. With high yields, low maintenance needs, and stunning garden appeal, it’s a top choice for UK gardeners seeking beauty and productivity. Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting out, this vibrant cultivar offers early harvests and reliable performance year after year.

Ideal for pies, crumbles, jams, and compotes, Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ brings a rich colour and tangy sweetness to every dish. This comprehensive guide will show you how to grow, care for, and harvest this popular variety to enjoy a long season of garden-fresh rhubarb.

Also known by its Polish name Malinow, Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ is renowned for its intensely red stems and tender texture. Unlike traditional varieties, it doesn’t require forcing to achieve its signature colour or sweetness. This natural vibrancy makes it a striking addition to any vegetable patch or allotment.

The plant boasts:

• Thick, juicy stalks are ideal for culinary use
• Consistent yields with minimal fuss
• Resistance to common rhubarb problems
• Early cropping from as early as April

Its ability to thrive in various soil conditions and climates makes it well-suited for UK gardens. Whether growing in raised beds or directly in the ground, this variety rewards with exceptional performance.

Choosing the Right Location

Rhubarb thrives in sunny, open spaces with free-draining soil. For best results, plant Raspberry Red rhubarb in a position that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun encourages stronger stems and deeper colouring.

Avoid low-lying, boggy areas where water pools, as excessive moisture can lead to crown and root rot.

Preparing the Soil

Before planting, dig the area thoroughly and enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or organic compost. Rhubarb is a hungry perennial, so good soil preparation is key. Ensure the site is weed-free and crumbly.

Tip: Rhubarb prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). A pH test kit can help you fine-tune conditions.

How to Plant Rhubarb Crowns: Step-by-Step

The best time to plant rhubarb crowns is between late autumn and early spring (November to March), while the plant is dormant.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Dig a planting hole large enough to comfortably accommodate the crown’s roots.
2. Set the crown so the top sits about 3cm above soil level—burying it too deep can lead to rot.
3. Space crowns at least 75–90cm apart to allow for mature growth.
4. Backfill with enriched soil and firm gently.
5. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Avoid harvesting during the first year to let the plant establish a strong root system.

Watering and Feeding

1. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first growing season.
2. In late autumn or early winter, apply a thick mulch of compost or manure around (but not on top of) the crown to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Avoid nitrogen-rich feeds in spring, which encourage soft, weak growth.

Ongoing Maintenance

• Remove flower stalks as soon as they appear to direct energy into stem production.
• Cut back foliage once it dies back naturally in autumn.
• Keep the area weed-free to minimise competition and reduce pest habitat.

Harvest season: April to June
Start harvesting in the second year after planting for the best long-term productivity.

Harvesting Tips:

• Pick stalks when they are around 30–40cm long and firm.
• Grasp the base of the stalk and pull it gently away from the crown with a twisting motion—avoid cutting.
• Only harvest one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing the crown.

You can discard the leaves, as they contain oxalic acid, which is toxic if consumed.

Delicious Ways to Use Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’

This versatile variety brings both colour and flavour to the kitchen.

Top culinary uses:

• Classic rhubarb crumble or pie – vibrant colour and sweet-sharp flavour make it a standout.
• Homemade jam or chutney – combines beautifully with strawberries, ginger, or orange.
• Stewed rhubarb compote – ideal for yoghurt, porridge, or ice cream toppings.
• Savoury dishes – adds a tangy contrast to pork, duck, or oily fish.
• Rhubarb wine – a surprisingly easy and rewarding homemade wine with a crisp, fruity character.

Freezes well when chopped and blanched—perfect for year-round use.

Root and Crown Rot

Cause: Poor drainage or excessive mulching on the crown
Solution: Plant in well-drained soil, keep mulch clear of the crown, and avoid overwatering.

Slugs and Snails

Aphids

Flowering (Bolting)

Cause: Stress or ageing of the crown
Solution: Remove flower stalks promptly; divide mature crowns every 4–5 years.

With its bold red stalks, sweet flavour, and reliable yields, Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ is a winning choice for any garden. Its low-maintenance nature and early cropping make it especially attractive for busy gardeners and allotment holders.

Whether growing rhubarb for the first time or refreshing your perennial bed with a more vibrant variety, Raspberry Red won’t disappoint.

Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ has quickly become one of my favourite garden performers. I love how it bursts into growth each spring with those deep crimson stalks—it’s a real showstopper. What I appreciate most is its reliability. Once it’s settled in, it just gets on with the job, giving me armfuls of flavour-packed stems year after year. In my kitchen, it’s a true all-rounder. I always save a batch for crumble, but I’ve also started making small batches of rhubarb wine—it’s crisp, slightly floral, and makes a refreshing summer tipple. This variety doesn’t need forcing or fussing, which suits my no-nonsense approach perfectly. Raspberry Red won’t let you down if you’re after a rhubarb that’s both beautiful and bountiful.

Key Points to Remember:

• Plant in well-drained soil and a sunny spot
• Water well in dry periods and mulch in autumn
• Harvest from April to June, taking no more than a third at a time
• Use in pies, crumbles, jams, and more
• Avoid common problems by maintaining good soil drainage and monitoring for pests
• High yielding: Produces heavy crops of thick, deep red stems
• Early variety: Harvest from early spring without the need for forcing
• Sweet flavour: Less tart than other rhubarb varieties, making it ideal for desserts
• Low maintenance: Easy to grow with minimal effort
• Vibrant colour: Adds visual appeal to the garden and the kitchen

Rhubarb Raspberry Red is a superb addition to any garden, offering high yields, deep red stalks, and a deliciously sweet flavour. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this variety is an excellent choice for homegrown rhubarb. Following the simple planting and care instructions outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year.

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

Read about Rhubarb Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise here

Q: What Makes Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ Special?

A: Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ is a highly sought-after variety known for its deep red, thick stalks that are as visually striking as delicious. With a naturally sweet flavour, this rhubarb is perfect for making pies, crumbles, and other classic desserts.

Q: Where Can I Buy Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’?

A: You can purchase Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ from garden centres and online nurseries across the UK. Please buy from a reputable supplier to get a healthy and well-established plant.

Q: How Do I Care for My Rhubarb Plants?

A: To keep your rhubarb plant thriving, plant the crowns at ground level in well-drained soil enriched with plenty of well-rotted manure. Regular watering, especially in dry periods, is essential to keep the soil moist and encourage strong growth. Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Q: Can I Grow Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ Without Forcing?

A: Yes! Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ grows beautifully without the need for forcing. With the proper care and ideal growing conditions, you can enjoy naturally vibrant, deep red stems without any extra effort.

Q: When Should I Plant My Rhubarb?

A: The best time to plant rhubarb is in late summer or autumn. If you’re planting in autumn, please make sure your rhubarb is in the ground before the first frost to allow it to establish a strong root system over winter.

Q: What Conditions Do Rhubarb Plants Prefer?

A: Rhubarb thrives in a sunny position with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Choose a spot in your vegetable garden that receives full sun, particularly in spring, to encourage healthy growth and an abundant harvest.

Q: How Do I Know When My Rhubarb Is Ready to Harvest?

A: Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ is typically ready to harvest in late spring when the stems are thick, firm, and have developed their signature deep red colour. Always leave a few stalks on the plant to ensure it continues producing well in the following seasons.

Q: Is Rhubarb ‘Raspberry Red’ Susceptible to Any Diseases?

A: This variety is generally hardy, but like all rhubarb plants, it can sometimes be affected by pests and diseases. Look for unusual spotting or wilting leaves, and address issues early to maintain plant health.

Q: How Often Should I Water My Rhubarb Plant?

A: Water your rhubarb regularly to keep the soil moist, particularly during dry spells. Rhubarb plants require plenty of moisture to develop strong, juicy stalks, so be sure not to let the soil dry out completely.