· Here’s how to master forcingrhubarb in 3 easy steps. Why ForceRhubarb? The obvious benefit of rhubarbforcing is getting an earlier rhubarb harvest. You can expect to be able to pull out tasty stalks 3-6 weeks earlier than if left to develop and mature naturally. · Discover the joy of growing and forcingrhubarb with this guide on howtoforcerhubarb for earlier harvests. Unlock the secrets to growing this versatile plant and enjoy its tangy, sweet stalks sooner in the growing season. · Learn how forcingrhubarb produces early, tender stems, when to start forcing, how to use forcing pots or buckets, harvesting tips, and why you should never force the same crown two years in a row. · What is a rhubarbforcer? These are typically terracotta containers, which you position on top of your rhubarb. These sit over your rhubarb as it grows, cancelling out the light. They often have a removable lid, allowing you to check on your rhubarb’s progress without letting too much light in. Forcingrhubarb involves cutting off their light in January to make the stems ‘think’ they’re still below ground. As a result, they grow more quickly, are more tender and don’t have the normal green colouring. It’s the lack of green that makes the stems taste sweeter, as well as looking pretty. Forcingrhubarb involves covering the plant in total darkness during its dormant period, typically in early spring. This process encourages the stems to grow rapidly and become sweeter as they accumulate glucose in the absence of light. · In this article we’ll teach you howtoforcerhubarb: a technique that brings the start of the harvesting season forward slightly. This should be of interest whether you’re a long-time fan or a complete amateur.
