Rhubarb varieties
- Number of rhubarb varieties
- Note on the identification and naming of rhubarb varieties
- Characteristics of rhubarb cultivars
- Red-stemmed Rhubarb
- Variety Red Colour Rating & Juice Yield
- More fibrous rhubarb variety
- List of the most commonly encountered varieties
Number of rhubarb varieties |
Genebanks in more than 30 countries house Rheum's genetic resources worldwide. More than 33 unique species are preserved, including 565 cultivated accessions*.
Around 21 cultivars remain very popular for commercial and domestic rhubarb production in New Zealand, North America and the United Kingdom. Many historically important cultivars are held in the collections of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) at Wisley and Harrow Carr, UK. Additional cultivars are held in genebank collections in the United States.
* An accession is a distinct, uniquely identifiable sample of seeds representing a cultivar, line, or population, which is maintained in storage for conservation and use.
Note on the identification and naming of rhubarb varieties |
Firstly, the identification of rhubarb cultivars is problematic at best and very often unreliable. Most rhubarb growers name their plants either based on the general characteristics they exhibit or for the commercial appeal of the name. Few, if any, producers can trace the origin of genetic material with certainty. This for several good reasons. First of all, there are 60 to 100 known varieties of rhubarb and there is no key to identify the varieties. The situation is complicated by the fact that some sellers offer plants and roots germinated from seeds, often without informing their customers. These plants normally represent a new hybrid variety and may not bear much resemblance to their parent plants. Even worse is the fact that individual varieties change characteristics both during annual growth phases and as they age over the years. It is very difficult to identify a variety with certainty. We are all doing our best. However, it is better to rely on the description of the characteristics of the varieties rather than the name associated with it.Second, a note on the characteristics associated with different varieties: it is generally accepted that the nutritional value of rhubarb does not vary significantly between varieties. The important differences are acidity, texture, flavor and color. Individual plants change acidity, texture and flavor as they age and even throughout the annual growth cycle. They tend to become more acidic and fibrous as the stems age each year. Organically grown plants can remain productive for 20 to 25 years in the same location provided adequate nutrients are added to the soil each year. However, if ignored, rhubarb will quickly deplete the soil. Most varieties are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide variety of conditions. They simply become small and unproductive under poor conditions. They can grow in the deep shade of the forest or in full, intense sun. In general, the more light and the better the soil, the larger the plant, the better it tastes and lives longer.
Characteristics of rhubarb cultivars |
Although there are over twenty characteristics that differentiate rhubarb cultivars, there is no exhaustive list of these characteristics for every existing cultivar. This is a task I am working on, but it is difficult to find pure cultivars grown from crowns rather than seeds.Here are some characteristics:
Leaf blade - Size: Small, medium, large
Leaf blade - Green color: Light, medium, dark
Leaf blade - Clot: Weak, medium, strong
Leaf blade - Margin undulation: Weak, medium, strong
Leaf blade - Apex shape: Pointed, obtuse, rounded
Leaf blade - Base: Open, closed, overlapping lobes
Number of veins arising from the petiole: 3, 5, or 7
Leaf blade - Anthocyanin coloration of the main veins: Absent, present
Petiole habit: Erect, semi-erect, horizontal
Petiole - Length: Short, medium, long
Petiole: Width (bottom, middle, top): Narrow, medium, wide
Petiole: Thickness: Thin, medium, thick
Petiole: Shape (type) of the petiole cross section: 1 to 8
Petiole: Background color of the epidermis: Green, red
Petiole - Secondary epidermal color distribution at the base: Absent, blotchy, uniform
Petiole - Secondary epidermal color distribution at mid-length: Absent, blotchy, uniform
Petiole - Secondary epidermal color distribution below the leaf blade: Absent, blotchy, uniform
Petiole - Hairiness just below the leaf blade: Absent, present
Petiole - Dorsal grooves: None or very weak, weak, medium, strong, very strong
Petiole - Flesh color: White, green, pink, red
Flower buds - Anthocyanin coloration: Absent, present
Inflorescence - Density: Loose, medium, dense
Inflorescence - Number of branches: Small, medium, large
Peduncle: Anthocyanin coloration at the first node Absent, present
Peduncle: Anthocyanin coloration below the First node Absent, present
Growth start time: Early, mid, late
Red-stemmed Rhubarb |
The red color of some rhubarb varieties is due to the presence of anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments, on the stem and sometimes on the flower spike. These are water-soluble compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors seen in these plants. The amount and specific type of anthocyanins present can vary depending on the rhubarb variety, which explains the different intensities of red that can be seen.
Other factors that can influence leaf stalk coloration
Soil pH: Soil pH plays an important role in enhancing the red color of rhubarb leaf stalks. For rhubarb to develop more intensely red leaf stalks, a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 5.5 and 7.2) is ideal.
Growing Conditions: Other factors such as soil pH, fertilization, and watering can also influence the intensity of the red color.
Plant Age and Environmental Stress: As a rhubarb plant matures (usually after a few years), it may experience stress due to overcrowding, a lack of nutrients or water, or if it is not properly divided and fertilized. This stress can sometimes cause the stems to change color, although redder stems are not always redder in older plants. In some cases, stress can even result in less intense coloring.
Sunlight: Rhubarb petioles grown in full sun tend to be redder than those grown in partial shade.
Rhubarb needs plenty of sunlight to grow and develop its red color. If the plant is shaded, the petioles may not develop as much red pigment.
Time and Sugar Content: Harvest time and sugar content can also influence the color and flavor of rhubarb.
Variety Red Colour Rating & Juice Yield |
| Red Colour Rating (from most to least) | Juice Yield |
|---|---|
| Valentine | 76.6 |
| Cherry Red | 79.4 |
| Early Sunrise | 82.6 |
| Cherry Wine | 79.7 |
| Mcdonald | 77.7 |
| Canada Red | 79.7 |
| German Wine | 82.5 |
| Strawberry | 81.2 |
More fibrous rhubarb variety |
Fiber content can vary depending on several factors, including:- Plant age: Older stalks tend to be more fibrous.
- Harvest time: Stalks harvested late in the season are often more fibrous.
- Growing conditions: Water stress or other environmental factors can affect stalk texture.
Here is some general information about the texture of certain rhubarb varieties:
Green-stemmed varieties:
Green-stemmed varieties, such as 'Goliath' or 'Victoria,' tend to be more acidic and potentially more fibrous than red-stemmed varieties.
Red-stemmed varieties:
Red-stemmed varieties, such as 'Canada Red' or 'Valentine,' are generally considered less fibrous and milder. 'Canada Red' is often described as having a more tender texture.
In summary, green-stemmed varieties tend to be more fibrous than red varieties.
List of the most commonly encountered varieties |
This page is intended to be a guide for better identification of rhubarb varieties. | Alberger | Origin : États-Unis Year : 1946 Know more... |
 | Canada Red | Petiole color : Rouge moyen Color of the pulpit : rouge et rouge-verte Petiole hairiness : Lisse et légèrement rugeuse dans le haut Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Canada Year : 1960 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Cawood delight | Petiole color : Rouge foncée Color of the pulpit : Rouge et verte Origin : Angleterre Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Champagne | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Angleterre Year : Début-Mi 1800 Know more... |
 | Cherry Red | Petiole color : Rouge cerise Know more... |
| Cherry Wine | Petiole color : Rouge vif Know more... |
| Chicago Giant | Year : AVT 1928 Know more... |
 | Colorado Red | Petiole color : Rouge Color of the pulpit : Rouge Origin : États-Unis Know more... |
| Colossal | Petiole color : Rouge Know more... |
| Coulter | Petiole color : Rouge foncé Color of the pulpit : Rouge Origin : Canada Year : 1940 Know more... |
 | Crimson Delicious | Petiole color : Rouge et blanc verdâtre Number of ribs : 5 Origin : États-Unis Year : 1980 Know more... |
 | Crimson Red | Petiole color : Rouge vif Number of ribs : 5 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Crimson Winter | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : États-Unis Year : APR 1893 Know more... |
 | Early Champagne | Petiole color : Vert pâle Color of the pulpit : Verte Petiole hairiness : Rugeuse tout le long de la tige Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Angleterre Year : Avant 1860 Know more... |
| Emperor (Waite's) | Petiole color : Verte Know more... |
 | Excelsior | Year : AVT 1944 Know more... |
 | Fulton's Strawberry Surprise | Petiole color : Rouge et verte Origin : Angleterre Know more... |
 | German Wine | Petiole color : Rouge Color of the pulpit : Rouge et verte dans le haut Petiole hairiness : Lisse dans le bas et rugeuse dans le haut Number of ribs : 7 Year : 1910 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Giant Crimson Winter | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : États-Unis Year : APR 1893 Know more... |
 | Giant Grooveless Crimson | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Angleterre Know more... |
 | Glaskin's Perpetual | Petiole color : Rouge et légèrement verte dans le haut Number of ribs : 7 Origin : Angleterre Year : 1920 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Goliath | Petiole color : Rouge et verte parfois mouchetée Color of the pulpit : Rouge et verte Origin : Pays-Bas Year : ENV 1980 Know more... |
 | Grandad's Favorite | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Angleterre Year : 1950 Know more... |
| Hawkes’ Champagne | Petiole color : Rouge vif Origin : Angleterre Year : 1850 Know more... |
 | Holstein Red | Petiole color : Rouge vif Color of the pulpit : Rouge Know more... |
 | Holsteiner Blut | Petiole color : Rouge vif dans le bas et verte dans le haut Color of the pulpit : Verte Petiole hairiness : Lisse au bas et rugeuse dans le haut Number of ribs : 7 Origin : Allemagne Year : 1918 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Homestead | Petiole color : Verte et rouge Color of the pulpit : Verte Petiole hairiness : Lisse Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Canada Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Honeyred | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Canada Year : 1971 Know more... |
| Jersey | Origin : États-Unis Year : 1954 Know more... |
 | Leader | Petiole color : Rouge foncée Know more... |
 | Linnaeus | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Angleterre Year : 1842 Know more... |
 | Livingstone | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Angleterre Know more... |
 | MacDonald | Petiole color : Rose vif à rouge vif parfois un peu de vert Number of ribs : 3 Origin : Canada Year : 1920 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
| Mammoth Green | Petiole color : Verte Know more... |
 | Mammoth Red | Petiole color : Rouge foncé Know more... |
 | Monarch | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Écosse Year : ENV 1894 Know more... |
 | Oregon Red | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : États-Unis Know more... |
 | Panama | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : États-Unis Year : ENV 1922 Know more... |
 | Plum Hutt | Petiole color : Rouge Color of the pulpit : Rouge et légèrement verte Origin : Ontario, Canada Year : Avant 1980 Know more... |
 | Polish Raspberry | Petiole color : Rouge et verte dans le haut Know more... |
 | Poncho | Petiole color : Rouge à brun rougeâtre Color of the pulpit : Verte Know more... |
 | Prince Albert - Anglaise | Petiole color : Rouge Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Angleterre Year : 1840 Know more... |
 | Prince Albert - Canadienne | Petiole color : Rouge et verte Color of the pulpit : Verte Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Canada Year : ENV 1980 Know more... |
 | Raspberry Red | Petiole color : Rouge Know more... |
 | Red champagne | Petiole color : Rouge, rose Number of ribs : 7 Origin : Angleterre Year : 1850 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Riverside Giant | Petiole color : Verte Origin : États-Unis Know more... |
 | Royal Ruby | Petiole color : Rouge Color of the pulpit : Rouge à rose foncé Origin : Canada Year : ENV 1934 Know more... |
 | Ruby | Petiole color : Rouge rubis Color of the pulpit : Rouge Origin : Canada Year : 1927 Know more... |
 | Ruby Red | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Angleterre Year : ENV 1850 Know more... |
 | Russian Giant | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Australie Year : 1920-1930 Know more... |
| Simonette | Petiole color : Rouge foncé Know more... |
 | St-Martins | Origin : Angleterre Know more... |
 | Stockbridge Arrow | Petiole color : Rouge Origin : Angleterre Year : 1960 Know more... |
 | Strawberry Red | Petiole color : Rouge foncé, rouge pâle, rouge-verdâtre Color of the pulpit : Rouge et verte dans le haut Petiole hairiness : Lisse et très rigeuseuse dans le haut Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Québec Year : 1920 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Sunrise | Petiole color : Rouge foncé Origin : Canada Year : 1946 Know more... |
 | Sutton | Petiole color : Rouge pâle, vert rouge Color of the pulpit : Rouge pâle et vert dans le haut Petiole hairiness : Rugeuse Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Canada Year : 1895 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Sweet Sensation | Petiole color : Rouge jusqu'à la pointe Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Timperley Early | Petiole color : Rouge au vert pomme Origin : Angleterre Year : 1945 Know more... |
| Tobolsk | Petiole color : Rouge et verte Know more... |
 | Turkish | Petiole color : Vert Know more... |
 | Valentine | Petiole color : Rouge foncé et légèrement verte dans le haut Color of the pulpit : Rouge foncé et légèrement verte dans le haut Petiole hairiness : Lisse et rugeuse dans le haut Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Canada Year : 1938 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
 | Victoria | Petiole color : Principalement rose en bas qui passe au vert en haut Color of the pulpit : Rouge dans le bas et verte Petiole hairiness : Lisse Number of ribs : 5 Origin : Angleterre Year : 1837 Availability : Available in Canada Know more... |
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