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How to Force Rhubarb: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Rhubarb is a delicious and versatile plant that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. While rhubarb is typically harvested in the spring, it is possible to force rhubarb to produce early stalks. This process, known as rhubarb forcing, can be done indoors or outdoors.
Benefits of Forcing Rhubarb
- Early harvest: Forcing rhubarb allows you to enjoy rhubarb stalks weeks or even months earlier than you would if you were to grow it naturally.
- Increased yield: Forced rhubarb plants tend to produce higher yields than naturally grown plants.
- Control over growing conditions: Forcing rhubarb indoors gives you more control over the growing conditions, such as temperature and moisture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Forcing Rhubarb
1. Choose the Right Plants
- Select large, healthy rhubarb crowns that are at least three years old.
- Dig up the roots of the chosen plants, leaving as much soil on the crowns as possible to prevent frost damage.
2. Prepare the Containers
- Place the crowns into large pots, half barrels, or similar sized containers.
- Cover them with soil and compost.
- You can also cover with straw for extra frost protection and to help retain moisture.
3. Chill the Crowns
- Leave the containers of crowns outside to allow them to chill.
- The crowns need to be exposed to temperatures between 28 and 50 degrees F (-2 to 10 C) for seven to nine weeks at the end of the growing season.
- This period of cold treatment is known as “cold units.”
4. Transfer the Crowns
- Once the crowns have gone through the required chill period, transfer the containers to a cool location, such as a basement, garage, shed, or cellar.
- The temperature in the location should be around 50 degrees F (10 C).
- Keep the soil moist.
5. Wait for Growth
- Slowly, the rhubarb will begin to grow stalks.
- After four to six weeks of forcing, the rhubarb is ready to harvest when they are 12 to 18 inches (31-46 cm) in length.
6. Harvest the Rhubarb
- Harvest the rhubarb by cutting the stalks at the base of the plant.
- Don’t expect the forced rhubarb to look exactly like it does when grown outdoors. It will have smaller leaves and pink, not red, stalks.
7. Care for the Crowns
- Once harvested, the crown can be returned to the garden in the spring.
- Don’t use the same crown for forcing again two years in a row.
- Allow the forced crown to regenerate and gain energy naturally in the garden.
Tips for Forcing Rhubarb
- Start with healthy, disease-free crowns.
- Provide the crowns with plenty of moisture.
- Keep the temperature in the forcing location consistent.
- Be patient, as it takes time for the rhubarb to grow.
- Don’t over-harvest the rhubarb.
Conclusion
Forcing rhubarb is a great way to enjoy early rhubarb stalks. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully force rhubarb and enjoy its delicious flavor weeks or even months earlier than you would if you were to grow it naturally.
