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Identifying rhubarb variety #873220

Asked June 15, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT

Hello, I have rhubarb from root stock that is at least 50 years old. My dad is in his mid-60s and a friend brought him back the root/plant from up north when he was 15. The plant has been divided and moved a few times over the years, and that is how I got mine. I have no idea what variety it is, and I assume my dad doesn't know either. Is there a way we can identify it? This year it put out a few massive leaves in addition to more "normal" sized ones. The mature stalks lean more green than red, but young stalks are often deep red. Thanks for the help!

Genesee County Michigan

Expert Response

Good afternoon and thank you for reaching out.  I will go ahead and refer you to one of our experts -- but in the meantime, I thought you might enjoy this article about splitting the plant.



Renewing old rhubarb plants - MSU Extension

Best wishes,
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I have to admit I "don't know much about rhubarb", (but I do remember my mom's rhubarb pies) so I did some searching online finding there are over 60 cultivars of rhubarb.  Named varieties include: Canada Red, Crimson Red, Valentine, Macdonald and Riverside Giant.  The University of Wisconsin states in their article below: "Unnamed “heirloom” plants from backyards or abandoned farmsteads can be equally productive and delicious."  Considering the age of your original plant I think that is what you have.
More info on rhubarb in the attached links:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/rhubarb-rheum-rhabarbarum/
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-797-grow-your-own-rhubarb
https://www.uky.edu/ccd/sites/http://www.uky.edu.ccd/files/rhubarb.pdf
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1631
https://extension.psu.edu/rhubarb-be-patient-and-you-will-be-rewarded
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-are-best-rhubarb-varieties-home-gardens
Dick M. Replied June 16, 2024, 10:41 PM EDT

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