Harvest for up to 10 months of the year
A bright red rhubarb is now on sale, which can be harvested for up to 10 months of the year, far longer than traditional varieties. Poulton’s Red is the latest in day-neutral breeding (it crops over a long period) and is available from DT Brown.
It stood out in trials as the sweetest rhubarb. Stems also had exceptional vigour, deep green leaves and stunning bright red, stringless stems – the strongest red they’ve ever seen. For more on growing rhubarb, visit my growing techniques page.
Breeding programme for red rhubarb
DT Brown was the first to introduce Livingstone. This was the original autumn cropping variety several years ago. They recently launched Poulton’s Pride, which also crops for up to 10 months of the year.
General manager Tim Jeffries said: “I was tremendously excited to see such deep red stems in the trials. With rhubarb, generally, the redder the stem, the sweeter the taste and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
“The flavour of Poulton’s Red is the sweetest I’ve ever tasted with less of the characteristic rhubarb sharpness, which means little or no sugar needs to be added during the cooking process.”
Start harvesting red rhubarb as early as February
Like Poulton’s Pride, the dormancy has been naturally bred out so customers can enjoy harvesting Poulton’s Red from February (if forced) and continue through to November.
UPDATE: Poulton’s Red is no longer available from DT Brown – or anywhere else that I’ve been able to research. Whether this is due to crop failure, the effects os Brexit or the pandemic, who can say? However, the company still stocks Poulton’s Pride, with prices starting at £12.95, and several other varieties that crop at various times. Visit www.dtbrownseeds.co.uk.
