Rhubarb Glaskins Perpetual (Rheum rhabarbarum 'Glaskins Perpetual')
Experience the exceptional reliability and versatility of English heritage excellence with Glaskins Perpetual, the distinguished late-season variety that combines outstanding extended harvest capability with gorgeous greenish-red stems and uniquely low acid content, delivering the ultimate perpetual rhubarb experience for gardeners seeking proven quality and exceptional seasonal value.
Overview
Discover the remarkable qualities that make Glaskins Perpetual one of the most valuable and reliable rhubarb varieties available to British gardeners, combining historic heritage with exceptional late-season performance and superior growing versatility. This outstanding English heirloom produces large, thick stems with distinctive colouration that ranges from deep red at the base to bright green towards the leaf, creating striking visual appeal whilst offering exceptionally low oxalic acid content that allows extended harvesting well into the season. As a true perpetual variety with outstanding late-cropping capabilities, Glaskins Perpetual provides valuable fresh rhubarb from May through July when most other varieties have become too acidic, making it perfect for gardeners who appreciate extended harvest windows and superior culinary flexibility. The variety's reliable, heavy-cropping nature ensures excellent garden performance with rapid establishment, whilst the naturally sweet character throughout the season makes it ideal for both traditional and contemporary culinary applications. With its combination of heritage authenticity, exceptional late-season reliability, and outstanding acid balance, this classic cultivar represents the finest achievements in English rhubarb breeding, offering modern gardeners the opportunity to grow premium crops with guaranteed extended productivity and distinctive culinary qualities that have been treasured since the 1920s.
Key Features
- Plant Type: Hardy perennial vegetable (rhubarb)
- Planting Season: March to May or September to November
- Mature Height: 60cm
- Spread: 120cm
- Harvest Period: April to June
- Stem Characteristics: Large, thick stems, red at base shading to green above
- Flavour Profile: Sweet with exceptionally low oxalic acid content
- Productive Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper care
- Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 to -10 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)
Distinguished English Heritage
Represents the finest achievements in traditional English rhubarb cultivation, first raised in Brighton and listed in 1920 as 'garden rhubarb', combining time-tested reliability with proven performance that has established Glaskins Perpetual as a treasured variety among generations of discerning growers.
Outstanding Perpetual Performance
Lives up to its 'perpetual' name by providing extended harvesting capabilities well into July, when most other varieties become too acidic to use. This remarkable late-season reliability ensures fresh rhubarb availability throughout the traditional preserving season when it's most valued for culinary applications.
Exceptional Low Acid Content
Features naturally low levels of oxalic acid that remain consistently low throughout the growing season, making stems suitable for harvesting much later than traditional varieties. This outstanding characteristic ensures sweet, tender stems that never become bitter, even during extended harvest periods.
Superior Stem Characteristics
Produces impressively large, thick stems with excellent flavour that maintains sweetness throughout the season. The substantial stem size combined with superior tenderness makes Glaskins Perpetual perfect for applications requiring premium presentation and eating quality without the harshness of high-acid varieties.
Heavy Cropping Reliability
Demonstrates exceptional productivity with heavy, reliable crops year after year, ensuring abundant harvests for fresh eating and preserving. This outstanding yield consistency makes Glaskins Perpetual perfect for gardeners seeking guaranteed returns from their rhubarb investment.
Quick Establishment Advantage
Shows remarkably fast establishment from seed or crown, with the potential for light harvesting in the first year when started early. This rapid development ensures quick returns and makes Glaskins Perpetual ideal for gardeners seeking immediate productivity from new plantings.
Distinctive Colour Development
Features attractive colouration with deep red at the base shading to bright green towards the leaf, creating beautiful visual appeal both in the garden and on the plate. This striking colour combination adds ornamental value whilst maintaining superior culinary quality.
Versatile Growing Adaptability
Thrives in various growing conditions whilst maintaining consistent quality, making Glaskins Perpetual suitable for different garden situations and growing methods. This adaptability ensures success for gardeners with varying site conditions and experience levels.
Self-Sufficient Convenience
Requires minimal intervention once established whilst delivering consistent heavy crops throughout the extended season. This convenience factor enhances appeal for busy gardeners seeking maximum results from minimal time investment whilst enjoying extended harvest periods.
Ideal Growing Position
Thrives in rich, well-drained soil with good organic matter content in full sun to partial shade positions. Prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions with protection from strong winds for optimal stem development and extended productivity.
Professional Care Excellence
Benefits from generous annual mulching with well-rotted compost and regular feeding during the growing season to support the heavy cropping nature and extended harvest period. The straightforward care requirements combined with natural reliability make Glaskins Perpetual accessible to gardeners of all experience levels.
Seasonal Interest Calendar
- Early Spring: Robust crown emergence with impressive early growth
- Late Spring: Strong stem development with distinctive colouration
- May-June: Prime harvest period with peak stem quality
- July: Extended harvest availability with maintained sweetness
- Summer: Continued productive growth with ornamental foliage
- Autumn: Natural foliage dieback revealing strong crown development
- Winter: Dormant period with established root system strengthening
Organic Growing Excellence
The natural vigour and reliable performance make Glaskins Perpetual perfect for organic growing methods, with excellent resilience reducing intervention needs whilst maintaining outstanding productivity and superior flavour quality throughout the extended growing season.
Premium Culinary Applications
Perfect for pies, tarts, jams, and wine where sweet flavour and low acidity are valued. The exceptional sweetness and extended availability create outstanding results in both traditional and contemporary culinary presentations, whilst the low oxalic acid content makes it suitable for applications requiring gentle rhubarb character without overwhelming tartness.
Growing Success Tips
Success with Rhubarb Glaskins Perpetual centres on selecting a rich, well-drained position with good organic matter content, ensuring adequate spacing of 90cm between plants for optimal crown development and extended productivity. Plant during spring or autumn, preparing the soil with generous well-rotted manure incorporation to support the heavy cropping nature and extended harvest capability. Establish annual mulching with organic matter and regular feeding during the growing season to maintain vigorous growth and exceptional stem quality throughout the perpetual harvest period. Take advantage of the extended harvest season by picking regularly from May through July, enjoying the naturally low acid content that allows late-season harvesting when other varieties become unusable. Allow first-year plants to establish with minimal harvesting, then enjoy abundant harvests from the second year onwards, taking advantage of the heavy cropping nature and extended availability. Maintain crown health by removing flower spikes promptly and dividing established plants every 4-5 years to ensure continued vigour and productivity. Your Glaskins Perpetual will demonstrate that English heritage excellence delivers exceptional garden performance, combining outstanding late-season reliability with heavy cropping that transforms ordinary vegetable gardens into extended rhubarb production centres for gardeners who appreciate both tradition and proven quality in their edible landscapes.