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How to force rhubarb

in Home : Projects: Fruit and vegetables

You will need

  • Large bucket, dustbin or decorative rhubarb forcer
  • Straw (optional)
Do it: November - February
At its best: harvest January - April
Takes just: 10 minutes

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Overview

Forcing rhubarb by covering the crowns will encourage the plants to make early growth. These forced stalks can be harvested for use in cooking when they are 20cm - 30cm long and make a useful substitute for fruit when there is little else in store from the garden.

How to do it

Covering rhubarb crown with pot

1Clear around the base of a rhubarb crown, removing old leaves and weeds. Use a large pot, dustbin or decorative rhubarb forcer to cover the crown. Plug any holes to exclude light.

Forcing rhubarb: lifting lid from covered rhubarb plant

2In cold regions or to speed forcing, insulate the outside of the pot with a thick layer of straw. Most years, forced rhubarb will be ready to harvest eight weeks after covering.

Adam's tip

Avoid forcing a single crown of rhubarb for two years in a row. Leave it to crop naturally instead, and always have more than one crown so you can force in alternate years.

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Talkback: How to force rhubarb
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NJSK 24/11/2011 at 15:28

Can you force rhubarb that is less than a year old?

sharonwood 24/11/2011 at 15:28

i have been told you can not eat your first crop of rhubarb you have to wait untill your next crop is is true please help ?

plant 24/11/2011 at 15:29

why do you need to force rhubarb??????

mollyflower 24/11/2011 at 15:29

yes i agree with you kynanbytes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kynanbytes 24/11/2011 at 15:29

yes I've been wondering how to do that although its very early to do it now this is very useful

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