Position
- Best in full sun to partial shade
- Prefers a sheltered position
- Suitable for south or west-facing aspects
- Protection from strong winds beneficial
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F)
Soil Type
- Requires rich, fertile soil
- Needs good drainage
- Thrives in loam, clay, or sandy soils with added organic matter
- Deep soil beneficial for root development
Soil PH
- Grows well in neutral to slightly acidic soil
- Best pH range 6.0-7.0
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Reaches 60-90cm (2-3 feet) in height
- Spread of approximately 90-120cm (3-4 feet)
Seasons of Interest
- Active from very early spring to autumn
- First rhubarb to produce stems in spring
- Large green leaves present throughout the growing season
- No notable autumn colour or variegation
- Dies back in winter
- Flowers in mid to late spring
- Remove flower stems unless seed is required
- Green-white flowers are not ornamentally significant
Additional Notes
Key Characteristics:
- Earliest cropping variety available
- Excellent for forcing
- Pink-red stems with good flavour
- Particularly vigorous growth
Cultural Requirements:
- Plant crowns in winter or early spring
- Space plants 90cm apart
- Annual mulching is essential
- Regular watering in dry periods
Harvesting Guidelines:
- Can start harvesting earlier than other varieties
- First harvest possible one year after planting
- Main harvest period: March to June
- Don’t harvest after July
- Pull stems rather than cutting
Maintenance:
- Remove dead leaves in autumn
- Apply thick winter mulch
- Feed with balanced fertiliser in spring
- Top dress with manure in winter
Potential Issues:
- Crown rot in wet conditions
- Slug damage to young growth
- May bolt in stress conditions
- Can suffer in waterlogged soil
Special Features:
- Ideal for early forcing
- Good choice for northern gardens
- Reliable cropper
- Freezes well
- Perfect for extending the rhubarb season
Rhubarb Timperley Early: The Best Variety for an Early Harvest
Rhubarb’ Timperley Early’ is your go-to variety if you’re eager to enjoy a taste of homegrown rhubarb long before the traditional season begins. As one of the earliest cropping cultivars in the UK, it reliably produces tender, red-based pink stems as early as February, well ahead of most other types. Known for its excellent flavour and consistent performance, this hardy perennial is a favourite among gardeners who want a dependable early crop for pies, crumbles, jams, and more.
Whether refreshing a mature allotment or planning your first productive patch, this guide will walk you through growing and maintaining Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ in your garden.
Planning the Perfect Spot for Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’
Choosing a Prime Location
Like all rhubarb varieties, ‘Timperley Early’ thrives in a sunny, open position with rich, moisture-retentive soil. Avoid shaded corners and waterlogged areas, which can cause crowns to rot and reduce productivity. Rhubarb requires a deep root run, so choose a location with well-prepared, fertile soil that allows roots to anchor and expand freely.
Preparing the Soil for Success
Preparation is key for vigorous growth and high yields. Dig over the soil thoroughly, incorporating generous quantities of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost to boost fertility and improve structure. Rhubarb prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, so a soil test can help you make minor adjustments. If your garden has heavy clay, consider raising the bed to enhance drainage and reduce the risk of rot.Planting Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’: Crowns or Potted Plants
Planting Rhubarb Crowns
The ideal time to plant bare-root crowns is in autumn or early spring, while the plant is still dormant. Aim to get the crowns in the ground before the end of January for the earliest possible harvest. Position the crowns so the buds sit 2–3cm below the soil surface, and space them at least 75–90cm apart. This gives each plant the room it needs to spread and mature. Buy Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ crowns here.Potted Rhubarb Plants
For a more convenient start, you can plant 3-litre potted rhubarb plants at any point in spring or early summer. Dig a generous planting hole, enrich the soil with compost or manure, and place the crown at the correct depth. Water well and mulch around the base to help the plant settle in quickly. Buy 3 Litre potted Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ here.Ongoing Care for Healthy, Productive Plants
Watering and Feeding
‘Timperley Early’ is relatively low-maintenance, but regular attention makes a big difference. Water your plants during dry spells, especially in the first year. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or compost to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and feed the soil.
In early summer, applying a nitrogen-rich fertiliser, such as sulphate of ammonia, can encourage vigorous leafy growth without compromising stem quality.
Frost Protection
Although rhubarb is hardy, tender new shoots are susceptible to frost damage in late winter and early spring. Cover emerging growth with horticultural fleece or straw to protect the buds and maintain plant vigour if cold weather is forecast.Seasonal Maintenance
As the growing season ends, cut back any yellowing or damaged leaves in late autumn, and remove flower stalks promptly if they appear. This prevents the plant from diverting energy away from its crown and encourages better productivity the following year. Keeping the crown tidy also reduces the risk of fungal problems overwintering in dead foliage.
Harvesting Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’: Timing and Technique
When to Pick
If forced, ‘Timperley Early’ can be harvested from late January to February. Left to grow naturally, expect stems to be ready from March onwards, depending on the weather and growing conditions. Forcing is simple: place a rhubarb forcer or large bucket over the crown in late winter to exclude light and encourage early growth.How to Harvest Properly
When the stalks reach around 30cm long, they’re ready to harvest. Grasp each stalk at the base and pull it gently with a firm twist—this method encourages regrowth and avoids crown damage. Refrain from harvesting in the first year, and never take more than a third of the plant at any one time, to fully allow the crown to develop.
Common Issues and How to Prevent Them
Crown Rot
Excess moisture or poor drainage often causes crown rot. To avoid it, plant rhubarb in raised beds or well-drained soil, ensure crowns are not buried too deeply, and avoid placing mulch directly over the crown itself.Pests and Diseases
Rhubarb is largely pest-free, but slugs and snails can occasionally nibble young growth. Keeping the area weed-free and tidy will deter pests and reduce competition for nutrients. Please remove decaying leaves as soon as possible to prevent fungal infections from taking hold.Why Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ Belongs in Your Garden
Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ is a standout variety for any productive garden with its vivid stems, early cropping potential, and excellent flavour. It combines ornamental appeal with practical rewards and offers a reliable harvest when little else is ready to pick. With thoughtful planting and minimal maintenance, you can enjoy tender, tangy stalks from late winter to early summer, long before many other fruits are even in leaf.
This early-season star is a must for rhubarb lovers and an ideal variety for those wanting to extend their harvest window with minimal effort.
From Darren’s Patch
I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘Timperley Early’—partly because it brings that first flush of life to the garden just when you’re itching to harvest something after winter, and partly for the memories it stirs. Years ago, I made a batch of rhubarb wine using stalks from my parents’ garden—beautiful, rosy stems from a mature Timperley crown. None of us liked wine, so I gave most of it away! But I genuinely enjoyed the process of making it. There’s something satisfying about transforming homegrown produce into something completely different. I haven’t made rhubarb wine in years, but every time I see those early stalks pushing up through the soil, I think, maybe this is the year I’ll give it another go. Whether growing it for crumbles or just for the joy of watching it emerge early, Timperley Early is a brilliant variety to have in your garden.
Key Points to Remember:
- Rhubarb Timperley Early is one of the earliest rhubarb varieties, ready for harvest as early as February
- Plant crowns in autumn or early spring, ensuring they sit 3cm below the soil surface
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and enrich it with well-rotted manure
- Keep plants well-watered, mulch to retain moisture, and apply sulphate of ammonia in summer
- Remove old leaves in autumn and protect young shoots from frost
- Harvest by pulling stalks away from the base, avoiding excessive harvesting in the first year
Following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious early crop of rhubarb in your garden.
To see the RHS article, please click here
For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is Rhubarb Timperley Early?
A: Rhubarb Timperley Early is a highly regarded perennial variety, prized for its early harvest and exceptional flavour. It is popular among gardeners who want fresh rhubarb earlier in the season, often producing its first stems well before other varieties.
Q: Where Can I Buy Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’?
A: You can purchase Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ from garden centres and online nurseries across the UK. Be sure to buy from a reputable supplier to ensure you receive a healthy, well-established plant.
Q: When Can I Expect to Harvest My Rhubarb?
A: You can begin harvesting stems in the second year after planting, once the leaves have fully unfurled. With proper care, you could enjoy your first rhubarb as early as winter or spring, making it one of the earliest available varieties.
Q: What kind of sun does Rhubarb need to thrive in?
A: Rhubarb thrives in full sun, so plant it where it will receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. The more sun it gets, the better its growth and flavour.
Q: How Should I Prepare the Soil for Rhubarb?
A: Rhubarb prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Before planting, mix in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients. The crown should be positioned just below the soil surface, at a depth of approximately 3cm.
Q: What Does Rhubarb Look Like When It’s Ready to Harvest?
A: When ready for harvest, Rhubarb ‘Timperley Early’ develops thick, deep red stems with a deliciously tart flavour. The top growth will be light green with red flecks. Always wait until the stems are firm and the leaves fully develop before picking.
Q: Is Rhubarb a Vegetable or a Fruit?
A: Although often used in desserts and treated like a fruit, rhubarb is a vegetable. It belongs to the Rheum x hybridum family, which includes various rhubarb cultivars.
Q: Are There Any Specific Care Tips for Growing Rhubarb?
A: Yes! Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to moisten the soil. Remove any flower stalks that appear to prevent the plant from diverting energy into seed production. This encourages stronger, healthier stems for harvesting.
Q: What Makes ‘Timperley Early’ Special Compared to Other Varieties?
A: ‘Timperley Early’ is one of the earliest cropping rhubarb varieties, making it ideal for gardeners eager for an early harvest. It has also been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), signifying its superior reliability, performance, and flavour.