Canada Red

Quick Facts

• Type: Perennial rhubarb
• Season: Spring harvest, typically May–June
• Flavor: Sweet-tart with higher natural sweetness, ideal for desserts with less added sugar
• Stalks: Beautiful red stalks in early spring with good color and texture for cooking and freezing
• Plant habit: Compact clumps about 2–3 feet tall and wide; low-maintenance perennial
• Best for: Sauces, pies, jams, and baking where rich color and sweetness are desired
• Hardiness & culture: Cold-hardy and heat-tolerant in Zones 3–8; thrives in very fertile, well-drained soil and benefits from regular compost additions

Canada Red is a high-performing rhubarb variety developed in Canada and known for its outstanding stalk harvests and excellent eating quality. Stalks emerge a rich red in early spring and have a sweeter flavor than many standard green or pink types, making them perfect for sauces, pies, and other desserts that require less added sugar. The combination of color and sweetness also makes Canada Red a favorite for home canning, freezing, and market bunches.

This variety is both cold-hardy and heat-tolerant, adapting well across Zones 3–8 when planted in very fertile, well-drained soil. Plants form perennial clumps about 2–3 feet tall and wide and are self-pollinating, returning reliably year after year with proper care. Rhubarb is a heavy feeder, so Canada Red responds best to generous compost at planting and annual top-dressing in fall or early spring to maintain vigor and yield over the long term.

For tips on spacing crowns, bed layout, and fertility management for perennial rhubarb, see our Rhubarb Spacing & Planting Guide before planting.