Victoria Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Victoria is the quintessential British rhubarb — reliable, prolific, and producing the thick red stems that are perfect for crumbles, jams, and wine. It's a true perennial that will crop for 10–15 years from a single crown, making it one of the best value plants on any allotment. Plant crowns in winter while dormant, with the growing point (the pink bud) just at soil level. Don't harvest any stems in the first year — let the plant establish. From year two, pull (don't cut) stems from April to June, twisting them from the base. Always leave at least 4–5 stems on the plant. Feed generously with well-rotted manure each winter. For an early crop, force rhubarb by covering a crown with a large upturned bin or forcing pot in January — the pale pink stems produced are tender and sweeter than outdoor-grown stalks. Never eat the leaves — they contain toxic levels of oxalic acid.
Plan where to grow Victoria Rhubarb using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant Victoria Rhubarb
Plant victoria rhubarb in December, January, February.
Time to Harvest Victoria Rhubarb
Expect to harvest approximately 12 months after planting, usually from March to July.
Expected Yield
Established plants yield 2–4kg of stems per season; increases each year.
Pruning Victoria Rhubarb
Cut off flower stalks at the base as soon as they appear, stop pulling by the end of July, and clear dead leaves in autumn; lift and divide congested crowns every five years or so in winter.
Common Problems with Victoria Rhubarb
Crown rot
The central crown turns soft and mushy, usually caused by waterlogged soil or planting too deeply. Rhubarb needs well-drained soil — on heavy clay, plant on a slight mound or in a raised bed. The growing buds (pink tips) should sit right at soil level, never buried beneath it. Avoid piling mulch directly over the crown in winter.
Thin stalks
Spindly, weak stalks are usually a sign of a young, underfed, or over-harvested plant. Don't pull any stems in the first year after planting to let the crown build up strength. From year two onwards, always leave at least 4–5 stalks on the plant to maintain its energy reserves. Feed generously with well-rotted manure each winter and water during dry spells.
Bolting (flowering)
Rhubarb sends up thick flower stalks when stressed by drought, poor soil, or old age. Remove flower stalks immediately by cutting them right at the base to redirect the plant's energy into leaf and stem production. If a plant flowers repeatedly despite good care, it may be past its prime — divide the crown and replant the healthiest outer sections in freshly enriched soil.
Victoria Rhubarb: common questions
When should I plant victoria rhubarb in the UK?
Plant victoria rhubarb from December to February.
How far apart should I plant victoria rhubarb?
Space victoria rhubarb about 90cm apart. It grows to around 80cm tall.
When is victoria rhubarb ready to harvest?
In the UK, victoria rhubarb is usually harvested from March to July. It's ready about 12 months after planting.
Does victoria rhubarb come back every year?
Yes. Victoria Rhubarb is a perennial and comes back every year, dying back or slowing down over winter and regrowing in spring.
When should I prune victoria rhubarb?
Cut off flower stalks at the base as soon as they appear, stop pulling by the end of July, and clear dead leaves in autumn; lift and divide congested crowns every five years or so in winter.
Is victoria rhubarb frost hardy?
Yes. Victoria Rhubarb is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
What crop rotation group is victoria rhubarb in?
Victoria Rhubarb is a perennial crop, so it stays in one place and sits outside the usual crop rotation.
Plan your victoria rhubarb in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
Open PlannerMore Vegetables
Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus is a long-term investment that rewards patience with decades of spring harvests. Once established, a well-maintained bed will produce spears for 20…
Globe Artichoke
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Globe artichokes are as much an architectural garden feature as they are a crop — their dramatic silvery-grey foliage and enormous thistle-like flower heads…
Yacon
Smallanthus sonchifolius
Yacon is a striking Andean crop producing huge crisp, sweet tubers that taste like a cross between apple and pear. Plant divisions or potted plants in late May…
Aubergine
Solanum melongena
Aubergines can be grown successfully in the UK, though they need warmth and a long season. These glossy, purple-skinned fruits are a staple of Mediterranean…