Rhubarb Champagne An old variety of early rhubarb, Rhubarb ‘Champagne’ has delicious, sweet, scarlet stems ready to pull from May. It is also one of the best for forcing; cover with an upturned bin as it starts into growth for paler, even sweeter stems. After cutting the forced stems, allow the plant to recover with cutting for the rest of the year, and do not force the following year. Very reliable and easy to grow. Give a manure mulch once a year. Site: OpenSoil: Rich, moist but well-drained soilPosition: Full sunPick: From March if forced; otherwise from AprilKeep: Can be frozenHardiness: HardyPollination: Self-fertileUses: Cooking and preservingHeight: 18” (45cm) Spread 39” (1m)