Heirloom Red Rhubarb - Named for Queen Victoria when it was introduced in 1837, Victoria Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is a reliable heirloom popular for its tangy crimson red stalks that reach 30-36". It is best eaten fresh in spring, but the stalks store well and retain their flavor and texture when frozen, freeze-dried, or canned for long-term storage. Warning: Rhubarb stalks are edible, but the leaves are toxic. Keep animals and small children away from the plants. Tips for Growing Rhubarb Seeds - Soak for 2-3 hours to soften the outer shell and/or scarify seed coat. For spring sowing and warmer climates, we recommend 4-6 weeks of cold stratification to improve germination. Refrigerate in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. Winter sow outdoors or start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost in 60-68°F soil. Germinates in 14-21 days. Transplant to well-draining, rich soil. Harvest in the second year. Approximately 31-38 seeds per pack. Zones for Growing Rhubarb - This cold hardy vegetable can be grown as a perennial in zones 3-8. In zones 6 and cooler, plants can live 10-15 years or more. In zones 6-8, plants are short lived perennial. In some areas of zones 9-10, plants can be grown from seed as a winter annual only if winters are very mild or plants are protected from frost with a cold frame or row cover. The Info You Need to Grow - These non-perishable seeds are packed in a beautiful paper packet with instructions for successful growing and germination in your home garden. Each package also has instructions for saving seeds after harvest. Getting started is simple for both beginner and experienced gardeners. FAMILY OWNED USA SMALL BUSINESS – Heirloom non-GMO seeds from Survival Garden Seeds, a trusted American brand; always open-pollinated, untreated, and quality tested for garden success Grow your own Victoria rhubarb plants with these open-pollinated seeds. Victoria Rhubarb is a reliable heirloom perennial that is easy to grow, productive, and long-lived. It can be grown in USDA zones 3-8, but does not fare well in hot weather. Plants can become stressed if temperature is above 75°F for a prolonged time. In colder weather regions, it can live for 10-15+ years. The sweet, tender stalks are a deep crimson red color, and the plant can grow to an impressive 30-36" tall. The leaves are poisonous, so caution is required with small children and pets. For long-term storage, rhubarb can be frozen, freeze-dried, canned, or processed into jellies, jams, or pie filling. It’s an excellent choice for pairing with other sweet fruits, especially strawberries. At Survival Garden Seeds, we choose the best open-pollinated, heirloom, untreated, and non-GMO varieties with proven reliability and productivity. We understand the importance of sourcing seeds that can be grown across the USA, in almost any USDA hardiness zone. Whenever there are any special needs your seeds or plants will need to germinate and thrive, we want you to have all the information you need to succeed. That’s why our seed packets include instructions with germination time, temperature, light needs, seed saving, and other details for successful growing to help a beginner or novice get started growing their garden with our well-rounded assortment of seeds for growing many flower, herb, fruit, grain, cover crop, microgreen, and vegetable varieties.