Rhubarb Timperley Early – Hardy Perennial Fruit Plant

Rhubarb 'Timperley Early' is one of the earliest cropping rhubarb varieties available, producing a generous harvest of thick, tender stalks from as early as March. Renowned for its reliability and vigour, Timperley Early is an ideal choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. The long, rosy-pink stems have a wonderfully tangy flavour, perfect for pies, crumbles, jams, and compotes.

As a hardy perennial, this rhubarb plant will return year after year with minimal fuss. It thrives in garden beds, raised beds, allotments, and even large containers on a patio or balcony — making it a versatile addition to any growing space. Timperley Early is also well suited to forcing, allowing you to enjoy an even earlier crop when covered with a forcing pot in late winter.

This plant is supplied as a well-established specimen in a 2Ltr pot, ready to plant out in the garden or pot on into a larger container.

Planting and Care

Plant your rhubarb in spring or autumn in a sunny to partially shaded position with moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly during the growing season and apply a generous mulch around the crown to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid harvesting any stalks in the first year to allow the plant to establish a strong root system. From the second year onward, pull stalks from the base when they are firm and brightly coloured. Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and promptly remove any flower stems that appear to direct the plant's energy back into stalk production. Rhubarb leaves are not edible and should be composted or discarded.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Rheum rhabarbarum 'Timperley Early'


• Common Names: Rhubarb, Timperley Early Rhubarb


• Classification: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 60–90 cm x 75–90 cm


• Growth Habit: Clump-Forming Perennial


• Perfect For: Kitchen Gardens, Allotments, Raised Beds, Large Containers, Cottage Gardens


• Harvest Period: March to June (one of the earliest varieties)


• Suitable for Forcing: Yes


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil Type: Moist, Well-Drained, Fertile Soil


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H7)


• Type: Hardy Herbaceous Perennial Fruit Plant


• Foliage: Large, Bold Green Leaves (not edible)


• Stalk Colour: Rosy Pink to Red

What is Included

1 x Rhubarb 'Timperley Early' plant supplied in a 2Ltr pot, well-rooted and ready to plant.