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How to Grow Rhubarb 'Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise'

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Rhubarb 'Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise'

Rheum rhabarbarum 'Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise'

vegetable

A specialty rhubarb cultivar known for its deep crimson-red stalks and alleged strawberry-like flavor notes, making it a favorite among gardeners seeking unique culinary varieties. This perennial plant produces thick, tender stalks that are less tart than traditional rhubarb varieties and sweeter with subtle berry undertones. It thrives in cool climates and returns reliably year after year with proper care.

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Example Rhubarb 'Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Rhubarb 'Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Rhubarb 'Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise'

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rhubarb 'Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade in hot climates
💧
Water: Consistent moisture during growing season; 1-1.5 inches weekly. Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter.
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Spacing: 36-48 inches
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Days to maturity: Second year for first substantial harvest (plants established year 1)
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Planting depth: Plant crowns 1-2 inches below soil surface; division crowns at soil level

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining loamy soil
pH: 6.0-6.8
Amendments:
compost aged manure peat moss perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 3-7, with best performance in zones 4-6

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a

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Growth Stages

1

Dormancy & Crown Establishment

3-4 months

Plant remains dormant in fall/winter with underground crown developing roots and buds for spring growth.

Plant in fall or early spring when dormant. Mulch heavily with 3-4 inches of aged manure or compost. Keep area weed-free.

2

Early Spring Growth

4-6 weeks

Red leaf buds emerge from crown in early spring; first small leaves and stalks appear within 2-3 weeks.

Remove any flowering shoots (seed stalks) in first year to encourage root development. Apply balanced fertilizer or side-dress with compost. Maintain consistent moisture.

3

Vegetative Expansion

8-12 weeks

Crimson stalks rapidly elongate; large leaves unfold. Plant reaches full size with multiple mature stalks ready for selective harvest.

Continue removing flower stalks to direct energy into stalk production. Water deeply during dry periods. Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.

4

Peak Harvest

4-8 weeks

Mature stalks reach 12-18 inches long with vibrant deep red color and full sweetness. Leaves are large and fully expanded.

Begin harvesting stalks by grasping near base and pulling outward; remove no more than one-third of stalks to maintain plant vigor. Continue through early summer.

5

Summer Decline & Dormancy Preparation

6-8 weeks

Stalk production slows; plant begins directing energy to crown. Foliage remains green but growth plateaus.

Stop harvesting by early July to allow plant to replenish energy reserves. Remove any remaining flower stalks. Reduce watering gradually. Avoid fertilizing after midsummer.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

garlic onion strawberry thyme borage kale asparagus

Avoid planting near:

fennel dock sorrel (competing plants) pole beans

Common Pests

  • Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects

  • Remove affected stalks immediately; clean up plant debris; apply spinosad or pyrethrin-based insecticides; avoid damage to crowns

  • and

    Hand-pick at night; beer traps; copper barriers; diatomaceous earth; eliminate hiding spots and excess moisture

  • Remove affected leaves promptly; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur fungicide if severe

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; remove infected plants; do not replant rhubarb in same location for 3+ years

Uses

🍳

Pies, Jams & Desserts

Culinary

The strawberry-like sweetness of Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise makes it ideal for pies, cobblers, jams, and compotes with less sugar than standard rhubarb varieties. Its deep red color creates visually stunning desserts and preserves. [source]

🍳

Fresh Eating & Beverages

Culinary

Unlike most rhubarb, this variety can be enjoyed fresh in small quantities or in smoothies and drinks due to reduced tartness. The stalks are tender and sweet enough to eat raw with minimal processing. [source]

💊

Digestive & Laxative Properties

Medicinal

Rhubarb has traditional medicinal use as a gentle laxative and digestive aid due to compounds like anthraquinones; consult healthcare providers before medicinal use. [source]

🏠

Natural Dye & Cleaning

Household

Rhubarb leaves and roots produce natural red and yellow dyes for textiles and crafts. The leaves contain compounds that can be used in homemade cleaning solutions. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Rhubarb flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting garden biodiversity. Allowing some flowering bolts benefits beneficial insects. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Begin light harvesting in year 2 (only 2-3 stalks); full harvest by year 3. Harvest from mid-spring through early July by grasping stalk at base and pulling outward with slight twist. Leave at least 2-3 stalks on plant. Never harvest more than one-third of stalks to maintain vigor. Discard leaves (contain oxalic acid). Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise peaks in sweetness and color in mid-to-late spring; harvest before heat stress causes stringiness.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The 'Strawberry Surprise' name reflects a deliberate breeding goal to reduce tartness and introduce strawberry-like sweetness; it may contain hidden strawberry ancestry in its genetic background.
  • 🌱 Rhubarb was historically used as medicine in ancient China over 2,700 years ago and traveled the Silk Road as a valuable trade good before becoming a culinary staple in Europe.
  • 🌱 Rhubarb is legally classified as a fruit for tariff purposes in the US (1947 court ruling), despite being botanically a vegetable, making Crimson Red Strawberry Surprise culturally unique as both.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Compost Crown Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Perennial
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