Rhubarb - Cardinal Crunch (20 seeds)

Rhubarb - Cardinal Crunch

Rheum rhabarbarum

Rhubarb 'Cardinal Crunch' is a bold and richly coloured perennial variety producing thick, deep red stalks with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The tender stalks are ideal for desserts, jams, sauces, crumbles, and baking, delivering that classic rhubarb flavour with outstanding colour that holds well when cooked. Long-lived and highly productive, it returns reliably each spring and rewards patient growers with generous harvests year after year.

Plant in full sun and fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in a permanent position. Allow crowns to establish fully in the first year without harvesting to build strong root systems. From the second year onwards, harvest stalks from late winter through spring and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour and productivity. Note: rhubarb leaves are toxic and must not be eaten.

Planting Season: Spring
Sow: Indoors early spring or direct after frost, 5–10 mm deep
Spacing: 60–90 cm apart
Height: 60–90 cm; large, bold perennial
Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22°C
Harvest: From year two onwards; pull stalks from the base when firm and well coloured
Flavour: Sweet, tangy, and richly flavoured; excellent for desserts and baking

20 seeds