Rhubarb 'Timperley Early'

Rhubarb 'Timperley Early': The Premier Harbinger of Spring

Rhubarb 'Timperley Early' is the undisputed champion of early-season rhubarb, legendary for its ability to produce succulent stalks weeks before other varieties even begin to stir. Originally discovered in Cheshire, England, this robust and reliable heritage variety is the go-to choice for gardeners eager for the first taste of spring. It produces elegant, slender stalks that transition from a vibrant crimson-pink base to a soft, dappled green tip. Celebrated for its tender texture and remarkably mild, sweet flavor, it requires far less sugar than later, more acidic varieties. Whether grown naturally or "forced" for an extra-early treat, 'Timperley Early' is a kitchen garden essential that combines prolific yields with a vigorous, easy-to-grow habit.

• The Earliest Possible Harvest: True to its name, this variety is often the first to break dormancy. In mild winters, you may see the pink "buds" emerging as early as February, providing a vital fresh crop when the rest of the vegetable patch is bare.

• Gourmet Texture and Taste: Unlike thicker, woodier late-season types, 'Timperley Early' maintains a refined, stringless texture. Its flavor is subtle and sophisticated, making it perfect for light mousses, tarts, and poached fruit.

• Exceptional Forcing Potential: This is the best variety for "forcing." Under a bucket or forcer, it produces long, pale-pink, "champagne" stalks that are incredibly tender and sweet enough to eat with minimal cooking.

• Sturdy and Adaptable: It is a famously tough variety that adapts well to various soil types and resists many common fungal issues, making it a dependable backbone for any fruit garden.

Gardener's Tip: "The Pull, Don't Snip Rule"

When harvesting your Timperley Early, never use a knife to cut the stalks from the base. Cutting leaves a "stump" that can rot and damage the crown. Instead, take a firm grip at the base of the stalk and give it a sharp sideways twist and pull. This ensures the entire stalk detaches cleanly from the crown, which actually stimulates the plant to produce more stalks. Always remember to leave at least 4 or 5 stalks on the plant at any one time so it can continue to photosynthesize and stay strong!