Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria' (Rhubarb)
- Herman Kraut
- 6 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Common Name: Victoria Rhubarb
Scientific Name: Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria'
Plant Family: Polygonaceae
Lifecycle: Perennial
Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria' is one of the classic rhubarb cultivars, known for its green-to-red stalks and reliable cold tolerance. Growing rhubarb in Zone 8a is slightly unconventional, as this plant prefers colder winters, but with thoughtful placement and heat management, it can still thrive. On our Mediterranean homestead, this variety represents patience, experimentation, and the long-term mindset required for perennial success.
For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.
Plant Profile
Characteristic | Information |
Climate Suitability | USDA Zones 3–8; prefers cold winters; Köppen Dfb–Cfb (cool temperate) |
Sun / Shade Needs | Full sun in cool climates; partial shade in hot Zone 8a summers |
Watering Needs | Moderate; consistent moisture without waterlogging |
Soil Preferences | Deep, fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0–6.8 |
Spacing & Height | 0.9–1.2 m spacing; 0.6–1 m tall |
Propagation Method(s) | Crown division; seed (variable offspring) |
Planting Timeline | Early spring or autumn (crowns); late winter seed starting |
Companion Plants | Strawberries, spinach, beans, comfrey |
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses | Edible stalks (not leaves); early season biomass; ground shading |
Pest / Disease Considerations | Crown rot in wet soils; slugs; heat stress in warm climates |
Pruning / Harvest Notes | Do not harvest first year; pull stalks (don’t cut); remove flower stalks |
Quick Plant Reference
Care Level: Moderate (more challenging in warm climates)
Optimal Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Water Needs: Moderate and consistent
Mature Size: 0.6–1 m tall (2–3 ft) × 0.9–1.2 m spread (3–4 ft)
Soil Type: Deep, fertile, well-draining loam
Humidity: Medium
Toxicity: Leaves toxic due to oxalic acid; stalks edible
Beneficial Pollinators: Bees (when flowering)
Health Benefits: High in fiber, vitamin K, antioxidants
Chilling Hours: Requires significant winter chilling for dormancy
Pollination Requirements: Not required for stalk harvest
Our Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria' Application @ Tough Kraut
We purchased a pack of Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria' seeds for 10 plants on April 18, 2025, through Amazon Germany. The seeds were started in pots inside our greenhouse. Two pots successfully germinated and produced healthy foliage. However, no usable stems formed during the first growing phase, which is actually normal for young seed-grown rhubarb.
Now, one pot has begun returning this season, pushing a single leaf so far. The second pot has not shown new growth yet. Our hope is strong spring and summer development, followed by eventually dividing the root ball to multiply this perennial properly. As with many perennials on our land, this one is teaching us to think in years, not weeks.
Step-by-Step Growing Guide for Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria'
Before diving into the steps, a quick troubleshooting mindset: most rhubarb “failures” in Zone 8a are linked to summer heat stress, insufficient winter chill, or poorly drained soil. Keep those three factors in mind as you read through this guide.
1. Choose the Right Site
In warm climates, afternoon shade is your friend. Full sun works in cooler zones, but in Mediterranean conditions, rhubarb benefits from protection during peak summer heat.
2. Prepare the Soil
Rhubarb is a heavy feeder. Incorporate compost deeply into at least 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) of soil. Drainage must be excellent to avoid crown rot.
3. Plant the Tree/Plant
For seeds, transplant seedlings once strong and established. For crowns, plant with the bud just 2–3 cm (1 inch) below soil level.
4. Water Consistently
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during active spring growth. Avoid waterlogging, particularly in containers or greenhouse settings.
5. Ensure Proper Pollination
Pollination is irrelevant if you’re harvesting stalks. If the plant sends up a flower stalk, remove it to redirect energy back into crown development.
6. Prune Annually
Remove yellowing leaves and any flower stalks. Always pull stalks from the base rather than cutting, which reduces rot risk.
7. Manage Pests and Diseases
Watch for slugs and crown rot. In Zone 8a, summer heat is often a bigger threat than insects.
8. Harvest and Store
Do not harvest during the first year. In year two, lightly harvest by pulling outer stalks. Refrigerate fresh stalks for up to one week or freeze chopped pieces.
9. Note
If your rhubarb disappears in summer, it may simply be entering dormancy due to heat stress. This is common in warmer climates and not necessarily a death sentence.
Kraut Crew Insight
Rhubarb is not instant gratification gardening. It’s a long-term soil investment with edible rewards later. If it survives summer and returns in spring, that alone is a win on a Mediterranean homestead.
Photos
Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Victoria Rhubarb Cultivation Challenges
Growing Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria' in Zone 8a often feels like troubleshooting by default. Most FAQs revolve around “Why isn’t it growing?” or “Why did it vanish?” In reality, rhubarb behaves very differently in Mediterranean climates compared to colder northern regions.
Below are the most common challenges we’ve encountered or anticipate.
Q: Why didn’t I get thick, edible stalks the first year?
A: Seed-grown rhubarb needs time to establish its crown. Expect foliage first. Real harvest begins in year two or even three.
Q: One pot came back, the other didn’t. Is it dead?
A: Possibly dormant, possibly failed. In warmer climates, weak crowns can struggle after hot summers. Gently check for firmness before discarding.
Q: Can I grow rhubarb successfully in Zone 8a?
A: Yes, but treat it like a cool-season perennial. Prioritize shade, mulch deeply, and maintain soil moisture.
Q: When can I divide the root ball?
A: After 2–3 strong growing seasons. Divide in early spring while dormant, ensuring each section has at least one strong bud.
Q: Why are the leaves huge but stems thin?
A: Often linked to nitrogen-rich soil or immature crowns. Avoid heavy nitrogen once established.
Recommended Books & Resources
Books
Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toensmeier
The permaculture-minded deep dive that treats rhubarb as a “plant once, harvest for years” staple and helps you build a whole perennial food system around it.
The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible, 2nd Edition by Edward C. Smith
The practical, high-yield gardening manual that nails the fundamentals (soil, spacing, watering) that make or break rhubarb in pots or beds.
How to Grow Perennial Vegetables: Low-maintenance, low-impact vegetable gardening by Martin Crawford
Perfect if you want reliable perennial techniques (including rhubarb) with a “do less work, get more resilience” mindset.
The New Rhubarb Culture by J. E. Morse
The niche classic for anyone curious about old-school rhubarb methods, especially forcing and serious crop-style cultivation.
Resources
Rhabarber ‘Victoria’ Samen (Rheum × hybridum ‘Victoria’)
A budget-friendly way to start rhubarb from seed in Zone 8a, perfect if you’re happy to trade first-year patience for multiple future crowns you can divide and multiply.
Terracotta rhubarb forcer (forcing pot/jar)
The surprisingly niche tool most gardeners do not realize exists, it lets you force tender early stalks by blanching them in darkness (very “Victorian kitchen garden,” in the best way).
40% shade cloth with grommets (greenhouse or patio)
The simplest heat-management upgrade for Zone 8a rhubarb, reducing stress so crowns focus on building mass for future stalks and division.
Analog soil moisture meter (no batteries)
A quick “stop guessing, start watering right” tool that helps prevent the classic container combo of drought stress followed by overwatering.
Tough Kraut Resources
Explore our curated collection of soil-building tools, propagation gear, and resilient-growing essentials tested on our own homestead.
Entry last updated: 2026-02-11
This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.
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