Rhubarb, Turkey (Rheum palmatum tanguticum), packet of 10 seeds

Family: Buckwheat (Polygonaceae) Hardy to Zones 6 to 9 (Da-huang; Turkey Rhubarb; Chinese Rhubarb; Rhubarb, Chinese) Herbaceous perennial.  Native to China and Tibet.   Rare.  Plants boast red-tinged, handsomely palmate leaves, and are much appreciated in the ornamental garden for their shape, color, and colorful history.   Traditional usage of dried, cured root (TWM, TCM): Laxative.  Source of anthraquinones.  Taste mild.  It is amazing how quickly usable quantities of this herb can be grown–a reasonable harvest can be made in the fall of the first year’s growth.  Dig the roots, wash throughly, slice, pierce, and hang to dry and cure.  Plant prefers part shade to full sun, well-drained soils of raised bed or hilliside.  Best to sow in spring in flats and transplant out to field after the roots have grown sufficiently large to survive out-of doors.  Leaves generally have an entire margin in the first year and demonstrate palmate structure in the second year.  Sometimes, fast-growing and healthy individuals will start making palmate leaves in the first year.  Average germination time 13 days.  Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart. 10 seeds/pkt, Open Pollinated, Untreated, NO GMO’s