Sometimes, it can feel like living in the north excludes home gardeners from a lot of tropical fun. But there are also perks. Take the "pie plant," for instance. Rhubarb is native to Siberia, and thrives in the cold. It's known for its pink stalks used in jam and pie fillings. This spring vegetable is quite tart, but the German wine and Cherry red rhubarb varieties are among the sweetest kinds.
You can experiment with a few varieties until you find one (or more) you like. If given proper care, rhubarb has longevity and will bless your garden with edible stalks for over a decade.
Your rhubarb's new home
Growing rhubarb from seed will cost a fraction of what you'll pay for a rhubarb crown at the nursery. If you're lucky, a friend will have a rhubarb crown to gift you for free. You'll need patience if you opt for seeds, though, as it takes another year to establish.
Soak the seeds for a couple of hours before planting them in compost. They'll take up to two weeks to germinate.
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