Timperley Early
An early cropping variety that can be forced for very early harvests under pots or in darkness.
When to plant Rhubarb in Stirling
Rheum × hybridum
A hardy perennial for a permanent UK bed. Plant crowns in rich, well-drained soil. Leave them to establish. Take a light crop from year two. The leaves are not edible. A little light shade is fine.
100 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Stirling · average last frost around 1 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Harvest | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Prepare the Bed
12 Sept to 10 OctPrepare a permanent bed around 12th September - 10th October. Take out perennial weeds. Work in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost.
02
Plant Crowns
10 Oct to 1 DecPlant dormant crowns around 10th October - 1st December in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. If the ground is still open later, you can still plant. Set the buds just at or slightly above the soil. Do not bury them. Buried crowns rot. Space apart. Water in.
- Seed, forcing, and spring-potted plants are separate routes.
03
Keep Weed Free
10 Oct to 27 Oct 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 10th October to 27th October 2027, keep the bed weed-free. Water in dry spells. Do not pick any stems in the year you plant.
04
Feed and Mulch
2 Mar to 1 Apr 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 daysTop-dress around the crown from 2nd March - 1st April 2027 with garden compost or a balanced organic fertiliser. Do this once a year. Do not bury the crown.
05
Harvest Stems
13 Mar to 3 Jul 2028 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageDo not pick stems in the year you plant. Take a few stems in year two, from 13th March 2028 to 3rd July 2028. Pull and twist from the base. Do not cut. Leave plenty of foliage. The leaves are not edible.
06
Clear Dead Foliage
3 Oct to 31 Oct 2027Once the leaves die back around 3rd October - 31st October 2027, clear the old foliage. Do not leave it sitting on the bed.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Rhubarb to consider
Victoria
A reliable, widely grown variety with good flavour and strong stems.
Stockbridge Arrow
A modern variety with long, straight stalks and a good harvest window.
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