“Victoria” rhubarb

Victoria Rhubarb – Classic British Heritage Variety Grown from Seed

Botanical Name: Rheum × hybridum
Common Name: Victoria Rhubarb
Heirloom | Perennial | Grown from Seed | Open-Pollinated

The time-tested ‘Victoria’ Rhubarb is a cherished British heritage variety, cultivated since the 19th century for its dependable yields, long green-pink stalks, and well-balanced tart-sweet flavour. Traditionally propagated from crowns, this variety is also easy to grow from seed — making it accessible to home gardeners and heirloom seed savers. Exceptionally hardy and well-suited to Ireland’s cool, moist climate, Victoria rhubarb is perfect for those establishing a long-lived perennial food crop.
? Horticultural Highlights:

Propagation: Grown from seed — ideal for those wanting to raise plants from scratch

Growth Habit: Hardy perennial with robust foliage and thick, tender stalks

Stalks: Green with rosy blush; long, juicy, and slightly tart

Flavour: Mild, less acidic than modern hybrids — excellent for pies, crumbles, and compotes

Yield: Reliable harvests from year two onward; plants can be productive for up to 10 years

Harvest Window: Late spring to early summer; do not harvest in the first year

? Growing Information (Seed Sowing – Ideal for Irish Gardens):

Sow Indoors: Late winter to early spring (Feb–Apr) in trays or pots at 15–20°C

Transplant: Harden off seedlings and transplant outdoors after risk of frost has passed

Spacing: Plant 60–90 cm apart in well-prepared beds

Soil: Deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Care: Keep well-watered during dry periods; mulch annually for moisture and weed control

Harvesting: Begin light harvesting in year two; pull stalks (do not cut) to prevent crown rot

? Historical Background:

First introduced in England in the 1830s, ‘Victoria’ Rhubarb quickly gained favour among Victorian-era gardeners and cooks. Named in honour of Queen Victoria, this variety became the standard for rhubarb in British and Irish gardens due to its dependability, mild flavour, and ornamental appeal. Growing it from seed continues the tradition of resilience and self-sufficiency cherished in cottage gardens of the past.