An old variety with long, pink tinged stems that have a delicious sweet taste. Easy to grow, reliable and early. Sun or part shade. Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ is an old and much-loved variety, producing long, pink-tinged stems with a deliciously sweet flavour. It’s easy to grow, reliable, and one of the earliest rhubarb varieties to harvest. Thriving in sun or part shade, it prefers moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil and brings both beauty and productivity to the garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ in early spring as the soil begins to warm. This allows the crown to establish before the main growing season.
Autumn: Planting in early autumn gives Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ time to settle before winter, ensuring strong growth the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ grows best in full sun but will tolerate part shade, especially in hotter positions.
Soil: Select a spot with deep, fertile, humus-rich soil that retains moisture yet drains well. Avoid areas where water may sit around the crown.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the hole: Dig a hole large enough to spread the roots comfortably.
Soil preparation: Work in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost to boost fertility and moisture retention.
Positioning: Set the crown of Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ so the top sits just above soil level.
Backfill and water: Refill the hole, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
Watering Requirements
Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season to support vigorous stem production.
Avoid waterlogging, as Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ crowns can rot in saturated conditions.
In dry spells, water deeply once a week to encourage strong, succulent stems.
Feeding
In early spring, apply a generous mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around Rhubarb ‘Champagne’, keeping it clear of the crown.
A balanced granular fertiliser in late spring can encourage continued vigour.
Harvesting
Do not harvest in the first year after planting to allow Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ to establish.
From the second year, pick stems by pulling them gently from the base, avoiding over-harvesting to keep the plant productive.
Pruning & Maintenance
Remove any flower stalks from Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ as soon as they appear to direct energy into stem growth.
In late autumn, cut back and clear away old leaves to prevent disease.
Mulching
Apply mulch each spring to conserve moisture, feed the soil, and suppress weeds.
In colder months, mulch lightly to protect the crown without covering it completely.
Final Tips
Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ is a long-lived perennial that rewards with sweet, tender stems year after year. By planting in fertile, moist but free-draining soil and giving it space to grow, Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ will become a reliable and productive feature in your garden for decades.
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John Webb (verified owner) –