best rhubarb plant to buy

What Makes a Great Rhubarb Plant?

When you’re deciding on the best rhubarb plant to buy, look for varieties that offer reliable performance in New Zealand's climate, a tender stalk, and good disease resistance. Taste and colour can vary widely between cultivars—from the classic light-green fleshed stalks with ruby red skin to varieties with deep, all-red stalks. Most gardeners want a rhubarb that’s easy to grow, productive, and delicious.

Top Recommended Rhubarb Varieties

Here are some of the top choices when trying to find the best rhubarb plant to buy for your garden:

Rhubarb Victoria

Rhubarb Victoria remains a perennial favourite among New Zealand gardeners. Loved for its robust growth and tart-sweet flavour, Victoria is ideal for cooking, preserving, and baking. The long, thick stalks are a vibrant mix of green and red, and the plant itself is known to be forgiving to beginner gardeners. If you want a reliable, classic choice, this heritage variety is an all-rounder that won’t disappoint.

Rhubarb 'Ruby Red'

For those seeking vibrant colour and a tender bite, Rhubarb 'Ruby Red' is a top pick. The deep red stalks are both striking in the garden and perfect for impressive desserts. ‘Ruby Red’ is prized for its sweeter flavour and early harvests, making it one of the best rhubarb plants to buy if you’re keen to get a head start on the autumn harvest.

Rhubarb 'Crimson Sunrise'

If you’re after a newer variety with outstanding disease resistance and exceptional colour, Rhubarb 'Crimson Sunrise' could be your ideal match. Its rich red stalks retain their hue even when cooked, producing irresistible jams and sauces. With its impressive yields and reliable regrowth, it's a favourite among both home gardeners and market growers.

Growing Tips for Your Rhubarb

Once you've picked the best rhubarb plant to buy, plant it in a sunny position with rich, well-drained soil. Rhubarb loves generous space and regular mulching. Water well during dry spells, and avoid harvesting stalks in the first year to let your plant get established. Rhubarb is tough but appreciates a compost boost each spring.

Other Garden Recommendations

Looking to fill your garden with even more colour and interest? Alongside your rhubarb, consider the eye-catching Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) for dazzling variegated foliage indoors, or the fragrant Brunfelsia pauciflora Scent sational (Yesterday Today Tomorrow Plant) for a show of purple blooms outside.

Choose Your Perfect Rhubarb Today

With so many delicious and reliable options, finding the best rhubarb plant to buy in New Zealand is simple. Choose from garden favourites like Rhubarb Victoria, stunning deep reds like Rhubarb 'Ruby Red', or standout modern varieties such as Rhubarb 'Crimson Sunrise'. Growing your own rhubarb ensures fresh flavour for years to come. Plant your favourite today and enjoy this beloved classic straight from your own backyard.