Rhubarb Seeds,
Victoria

Victoria rhubarb grown from seed should start to produce the second season. Start indoors 4-8 weeks before the last frost date, or direct seed in the garden 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Check out our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources" to learn how to find first and last frost dates in your region. Victoria rhubarb does best in areas with a prolonged cold period in the winter, but can be successful in warmer areas with care.

Soak seeds for an hour or two before planting. Start indoors in trays 4-8 weeks before the last frost date, or direct seed about 4 feet apart in the garden 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Check out our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources" to learn how to find first and last frost dates in your region.

Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep; seeds should germinate in 7-21 days. Transplant once the last danger of frost has passed. The plants get fairly large, so put them in the ground about 4 feet apart. Choose a site with rich, well-draining soil. Direct all-day sun is fine in areas with mild or cool summers, but the plants will appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter regions.

Keep soil consistently moist, but do not soak the soil. It's helpful to mulch with straw, but be careful not to mulch too close to the plants or the crowns will rot. You should be able to harvest the stalks the second year, in late spring through early summer. Supplement every year with a balanced fertilizer or rich compost.

After a few years of growth, the plants will begin to crowd, and you'll want to dig them up and divide the plants.

• Rhubarb will send up flower stalks.
• The flowers will yield papery seeds that you can pick as they dry on the plant.
• Allow seeds to dry in a cool place, then store in an airtight container.
• Rhubarb seeds will remain viable for 2 to 3 years.
• You can also propagate the plants by digging them up and dividing them every few years.