Rhubarb is a versatile perennial plant, recognized for its edible, tart stalks. Among its many varieties, ‘Chipman’s Canada Red’ is a particularly favored cultivar, highly regarded for its desirable characteristics and reliable performance.
Distinctive Features of Chipman’s Canada Red Rhubarb
‘Chipman’s Canada Red’ rhubarb is distinguished by several unique attributes that make it a popular choice for home gardens. Its most notable characteristic is the deep, vibrant red color of its stalks, which maintains its rich hue even after cooking. This variety also has a consistently sweeter flavor profile than many other rhubarb types, often requiring less added sugar in culinary preparations.
Beyond its appealing color and taste, ‘Chipman’s Canada Red’ exhibits robust growth and yields abundantly. It is particularly cold hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 3 to 8, making it an excellent option for northern climates. This cultivar produces fewer flower stalks, directing the plant’s energy more efficiently into developing its leafy stems.
Planting and Growing Chipman’s Canada Red
Successful cultivation of ‘Chipman’s Canada Red’ rhubarb begins with proper site selection. The plant thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Well-drained, fertile soil is necessary for healthy growth, ideally enriched with ample organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. While rhubarb can adapt to various soil pH levels, loamy soils are often preferred over sandy ones due to their better water retention and nutrient supply.
When planting, crowns or divisions should be set in early spring or late fall when dormant. Space individual crowns about 3 feet apart, ensuring the crown is just level with the soil surface or buried no more than an inch or two deep to prevent delayed production. After planting, consistent watering is important, especially during the first two growing seasons, to help establish a robust root system. However, avoid overwatering, as rhubarb is susceptible to crown rot in waterlogged conditions.
Rhubarb is considered a “heavy feeder” and benefits from annual fertilization. In early spring, apply a balanced commercial fertilizer or rich compost around the plant, taking care not to bury the crown. Mulching with well-rotted organic matter can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients. Remove any developing flower stalks promptly to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing edible stems. Rhubarb generally experiences few significant pest or disease issues, but common problems like slugs, snails, and some leaf spots usually do not severely impact the plant’s productivity, especially since the leaves are not consumed.
Harvesting and Culinary Uses
Harvesting ‘Chipman’s Canada Red’ rhubarb typically begins in its second year, with a more substantial harvest possible from the third year onward. Stalks are ready for harvest when they reach 12 to 18 inches in length and at least 3/4 inch in diameter. To harvest, firmly grasp the base of a stalk and pull it away from the plant with a gentle twist, rather than cutting, which can introduce disease. Always leave at least two stalks on each plant to ensure continued production and allow the plant to gather energy for the next growing season.
Only the stalks of rhubarb are edible; the leaves contain high concentrations of oxalic acid and are toxic if ingested. Symptoms of consuming rhubarb leaves can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to more severe issues like kidney damage. Always discard the leaves after harvesting the stalks.
The naturally sweeter and vibrant red stalks of ‘Chipman’s Canada Red’ make it an excellent ingredient for various culinary applications. It is particularly well-suited for pies, crumbles, jams, sauces, and other desserts, often requiring less sugar due to its inherent sweetness. The stalks can also be cooked and preserved, and some even enjoy them fresh.