When to Force Rhubarb

Forcing rhubarb is a technique employed by gardeners to obtain an early harvest of the plant’s stalks. By manipulating environmental conditions, forcing encourages rhubarb to grow before its natural season, resulting in sweeter and more tender stalks.

What is Forcing Rhubarb?

Forcing rhubarb involves covering the plant’s crowns with opaque materials, such as pots, buckets, or forcing jars, to prevent sunlight from reaching them. This darkness stimulates the rhubarb to produce pale, etiolated stalks that are prized for their delicate flavor and early availability.

Benefits of Forcing Rhubarb

Early Harvest: Forcing rhubarb allows gardeners to enjoy the plant’s stalks several weeks earlier than they would naturally appear.
Improved Flavor: Forced rhubarb stalks are typically sweeter and more tender than those grown in the open.
Commercial Value: Forced rhubarb is a valuable crop for commercial growers, as it can be sold at a premium price due to its early availability and superior quality.

Choosing Rhubarb Varieties for Forcing

Not all rhubarb varieties are suitable for forcing. Some recommended varieties include:

‘Victoria’: A classic variety known for its vigorous growth and large, flavorful stalks.
‘Timperley Early’: A variety specifically bred for early forcing, producing stalks in early spring.
‘Stockbridge Arrow’: A deep-red variety with excellent flavor and forcing ability.

Preparing Rhubarb for Forcing

Before forcing rhubarb, it is essential to prepare the plants:

Select Healthy Crowns: Choose crowns that are firm and have multiple buds.
Soil Conditions: Rhubarb prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Location: Select a location that receives ample sunlight during the natural growing season.

Forcing Rhubarb Techniques

There are several methods for forcing rhubarb:

Forcing Pots: Invert a pot over the crown, ensuring that it is completely covered. Fill any gaps with straw or insulating material.
Forcing Frames: Construct a frame around the crown and cover it with opaque material, such as black plastic or cardboard.
Dark Forcing: Place the crown in a dark, cool place, such as a basement or cellar.

Caring for Forced Rhubarb

Forced rhubarb requires specific care:

Watering: Water sparingly, as the soil should remain moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Feed the rhubarb with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Pest Control: Monitor for pests and treat as necessary.

Harvesting Forced Rhubarb

Forced rhubarb is ready for harvesting when the stalks reach a length of 8-12 inches. Gently pull the stalks from the base of the crown.

Post-Forcing Rhubarb Care

After forcing, allow the rhubarb plant to recover by:

Removing Covers: Remove the forcing materials and allow the plant to receive sunlight.
Watering: Water deeply to rehydrate the soil.
Fertilizing: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer to replenish nutrients.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Forcing rhubarb for two consecutive years can weaken the plant. Allow it to grow naturally for a year before forcing again.
If the forced rhubarb stalks become too tall or leggy, support them with stakes or netting.
Avoid forcing rhubarb in areas with extreme cold or heat.

Conclusion

Forcing rhubarb is a rewarding technique that allows gardeners to enjoy the plant’s stalks early in the season. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully force rhubarb and reap the benefits of its sweet and tender stalks.

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FAQs

;When can you force rhubarb?

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Rhubarb can be forced from late winter to early spring, typically from January to March in the Northern Hemisphere. This allows for an early harvest of rhubarb stalks several weeks before they would naturally appear.

;What are the benefits of forcing rhubarb?

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Forcing rhubarb offers several benefits, including:

Early harvest of rhubarb stalks
Improved flavor and tenderness of the stalks
Commercial value for growers

;Which rhubarb varieties are best for forcing?

;

Some rhubarb varieties are better suited for forcing than others. Recommended varieties include:

‘Victoria’
‘Timperley Early’
‘Stockbridge Arrow’

;How do you prepare rhubarb for forcing?

;

Before forcing rhubarb, it is important to:

Select healthy crowns
Ensure well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Choose a location with ample sunlight during the natural growing season

;What are the different methods for forcing rhubarb?

;

There are several methods for forcing rhubarb, including:

Forcing pots
Forcing frames
Dark forcing

;How do you care for forced rhubarb?

;

Forced rhubarb requires specific care, including:

Watering sparingly
Feeding with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks
Monitoring for pests and treating as necessary

;When is forced rhubarb ready for harvesting?

;