As the new name 'Lubera Edibles' already suggests, we look beyond the borders of fruit and berry plants and also aim at other innovative ranges in the field of edible plants. The focus is on vegetable young plants in particular. With the vegetable young plants, we started by propagating rhubarb, so it is not surprising that our range is the broadest in this category. But it should not stay that way. In this article I report about the current assortment and give hints where Lubera Edibles is headed in its journey to “vegetable land”.
Rhubarb
As mentioned above, the group of rhubarb is the most represented in our assortment of vegetable young plants. Although the rhubarb is often used for sweet food, it is still a vegetable plant. We have also expanded our range for you again this year. There is even a real speciality variety that corresponds in its use significantly more to the vegetables than other standard varieties.
Lilibarber® is something out of the ordinary for new launches. At first glance, one does not even think that it is actually a rhubarb plant. This variety is extremely weak/small and grows only 20 cm high. Therefore, this rhubarb is ideal for growing in pots on balconies/terraces. The small leaves and the thin stems have the typical rhubarb flavour and can be eaten raw.
Elmsblitz is a proven variety, especially in northern Europe, with red stems as well as red flesh and it has already expanded our range in 2018. Due to its low oxalic acid content, this variety is not a day-neutral rhubarb; the harvest is also possible well into the summer months.
Picture: diversity in rhubarb varieties
Timperley Early is an old and established rhubarb variety from England. It is very early and strong growing. The long stems are green-red on the outside and have green flesh. Due to the earliness of this variety, it is ideally suited for forcing.
However, the carousel of varieties continues to turn here as well. Currently, daily-neutral varieties, both with red flesh and green flesh, are in preparation as well as varieties that are significantly more fertile and higher yielding than previous varieties.
EverVeg® – eternal vegetables
'Eternal vegetables' is a very interesting group within the area of vegetable young plants. The eternal vegetables are primarily persistent, perennial and hardy plants with a rather perennial-like habit/character. In the English-speaking world one also speaks of “perennial vegetables”. These plants, after being planted in the garden, can be harvested for several years without having to replant them each year. This makes vegetable cultivation much easier and more sustainable. We are anxious to be able to continuously broaden the Everveg® assortment, where a significant expansion of the product range can be expected during the next few years.
Artichoke ‘Große Grüne’ is a variety characterised by its large, round, green flower buds. The thick, fleshy flowers are edible and should be harvested before the bracts begin to open. If the buds are not harvested, very beautiful, blue-violet composite flowers will develop. The plants have a perennial/rosette-like habit with greyish-green leaves. With appropriate winter protection (covering with leaves or straw), artichokes can become quite perennial.
Picture: Horseradish young plants in standard tray
Horseradish is a hardy perennial with large, elongated leaves that form a basal rosette during the summer. The long and thick, white roots are harvested throughout the winter and can be used directly. It has been shown that pot cultivation is also possible for home gardeners. For this purpose, the horseradish plants should be planted in the spring/summer in a high pot (rose pot or similar) with a volume of about 5 L. The harvest can take place starting from the middle/end of November, as soon as the plants have completely died back.
However, the listed varieties are only the beginning. We already have other plant species in preparation, which are very close to being introduced to the market. These include perennial and hardy Allium species as well as our own vegetatively propagated selections of sea kale (Crambe maritima). We will also be able to offer more exotic plants such as wasabi (Eutrema japonicum), also known as Japanese horseradish, or skirret (Sium sisarum) but also Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) and garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis).
Picture: young plants of Helanthus tuberosus (Jerusalem artichoke)
Fruits from the Roots® – root and tuber vegetables
Another group of vegetable young plants is the root or tuber vegetables. We have already come very far with the product development and are close to the market launch. As the name implies, this group is full of classic vegetables such as potato (Solanum tuberosum) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), which is becoming increasingly popular and can also produce good yields north of the Alps.
Fruiting vegetables
Fruiting vegetables is still a very new area of vegetable young plants. The first variety comparisons and breeding trials took place last year at our sister company Lubera®. Based on the results of these tested varieties, we will be able to offer an innovative range of outdoor fruiting vegetables in the next few years, especially varieties of tomatoes and aubergines (eggplants). On the one hand, we aim to increase the variety of tomato shapes, colours and flavours and on the other hand, we also strive to select free range aubergines and tomatoes that can easily grow and bear fruit in the garden without protection.
Click here for more information
Would you like more information, an individual consultation or information about additional ranges?
Click here for the complete 2019 catalogue, which can be downloaded.
If you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service, where you can also spontaneously place an order.
And of course we are always there for you via telephone.
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