Rhubarb stems red or green?

[PigletJohn]

I have some plants I grew from seed last year, some of them doing very well. It was a Victorian variety IIRC, though I have lost the name, and was definitely claimed to have red stems, which I prefer.

Some of the stems are partly red, and some are light green, even on the same plant. Do they change with age, or sunlight, or whim?

I think the degree to which a rhubarb plants tends to have red stems depends on the variety. I have heard that colder weather is supposed to encourage reddening but have no personal experience of that. If you are after red stems, it is best to choose a variety that is known for red stems, ie Stockbridge Arrow.

I did choose a red-stemmed variety, because I prefer it (if only I could find the packet)

do you know if they start green and go red, or vice-versa?

Rhubarb from seed????

If you are fussy about your rhubarb variety why not ask for an off cut from someone's plant? Or buy a root?

I have found in the past that the crowns die overwinter. I have honey fungus. I planted the seedlings in various places and so far most are doing well (subject to sunlight).

My rhubarb stems start off red.

'mmmm

I wonder if it's exposure to light? People used to grow them with chimney pots for the stalks to rise up.