Jun 21, 2018

Pink Blossom rhubarb variety developed in England

A new rhubarb variety from England-based Hargreaves Plants blooms pink in the early spring and is also marketed as having a sweet taste.

The variety will be called Pink Blossom. It had earlier gained its nickname Sid when someone misread a label, Selection 51D, creating a fun nickname and giving this plant a boost of personality. The company had some fun with the nickname, using the hashtag #SidsJourney on social media.

BRAND NEW 51D is looking FANTASTIC! Compact & strong making it one of the easiest rhubarb to propagate & grow! #SidsJourney #NameThatRhubarb pic.twitter.com/KPIUo5s26w

— Hargreaves Plants (@HargreavesPLtd) June 21, 2017

“After many meetings trying to give Sid the right new name, we are now so proud to announce the new and improved rhubarb selection has been named “Pink Blossom” and is officially being released for Summer 2018!” the company wrote in a news release.

“The majority of our products including the new rhubarb variety are available to commercial growers in the U.S.,” said Charlie Mackelden of Hargreaves Plants.

The name was influenced by the attractive pink blossom it blooms in the early spring creating a very attractive effect against the stunning large green foliage. Pink Blossom also has sweet-tasting stalks that could even be eaten raw, according to the company.

This variety has been selected not only because it is perfect for the home garden market but also because it is equally suited for commercial growers. The variety was hand-selected due to its compact strong sturdy stems making it easy to propagate, grow and store in containers before planting on in the ground. “Pink Blossom” also establishes quickly, according to Hargreaves Plants.

For more information about the variety, growers may email [email protected] or visit https://goo.gl/YWqqVe.