Rhubarb, 'Victoria'

Germination

Sow indoors. Prepare final planting site by digging in some well rotted organic matter. Prior to sowing soak seeds in water for 12 hours. Sow 25mm deep into modules of moist well-drained compost. Place on a sunny windowsill. Germination is rapid. For spring sowings plant out when 10cm tall, for autumn sowings plant out the following April. Allow 1M spacing.

Growing

Prefers any well-drained fertile soil in full sun. Do not over water as this can cause root rot. Fertilise after planting out.

Cultivation

Do not harvest in the first year after sowing. This will improve plant vigour. 2nd year remove stalks as required, cut at the soil line or simply pull out individually. Cover roots with a mulch over winter. Trim the crown to 4-5 buds every 4-5 years to improve yield.