Rhubarb Timperley Early: Enjoy Fresh Stalks as Early as February!

Rheum x hybridum

Rhubarb Timperley Early is one of the earliest rhubarb varieties available, offering a delicious harvest as early as February. For those eager to enjoy homegrown rhubarb at the start of the season, this variety is a fantastic choice. With its red-based pink stems and excellent flavour, it is perfect for crumbles, pies, and jams. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and maintaining Rhubarb Timperley Early in your garden.

Choosing the Right Location

Rhubarb thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hardy perennial that requires minimal attention once established. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with deep, fertile soil to allow for strong growth.

Soil Preparation

To get the best results, prepare the soil by digging in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. Rhubarb prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, so testing your soil’s pH can be beneficial. If drainage is poor, consider creating a raised bed.

Planting Rhubarb Crowns

Plant rhubarb crowns in autumn or early spring, ensuring they are in the ground before the end of January for an early harvest. The dormant buds should sit just 3cm below the surface of the soil. Space crowns at least 75cm apart to allow room for growth.

Potted Rhubarb Plants

For gardeners who prefer an easier start, potted 3L rhubarb plants are also available. These can be planted directly into the garden, ensuring the crown sits at the right depth.

Watering and Feeding

Keep plants well-watered, especially during dry periods. Applying a mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and suppress weeds. In summer, apply sulphate of ammonia to promote vigorous growth.

Protecting from Frost

Although rhubarb is hardy, young shoots can be damaged by frost. If colder weather arrives unexpectedly, covering plants with fleece can protect them from damage.

Pruning and Maintenance

In late autumn, remove faded leaves and cut back old stalks to ground level. This will allow the plant to die back naturally and store energy for the next season.

When to Harvest

Rhubarb Timperley Early can be harvested as early as February if forced, or from March if left to grow naturally. Forcing rhubarb by covering the plant with a dark container will produce tender, sweeter stalks.

How to Harvest

To harvest, gently pull the stems away from the crown rather than cutting them. Avoid taking too many stems in the first year to allow the plant to establish itself.

Crown Rot

Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to crown rot. Ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid covering the crown with too much mulch.

Pests and Diseases

Rhubarb is generally pest-resistant, but slugs and snails can sometimes damage young shoots. Keeping the area weed-free will reduce the risk of infestations.

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

By 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 a popular choice among gardeners who want to enjoy 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 be enjoying your first rhubarb as early as late winter or early spring, making it one of the earliest varieties available.

Q: What Kind of Sun Does Rhubarb Need to Thrive?

A: Rhubarb thrives in full sun, so plant it in a location 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 are fully developed before picking.

Q: Is Rhubarb a Vegetable or a Fruit?

A: Although often used in desserts and treated like a fruit, rhubarb is actually 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 keep the soil consistently moist. 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.