Rhubarb is one of the first plants to signal the arrival of spring, with its vibrant stalks and tart flavor. Known for its use in pies, crumbles, and jams, rhubarb is a beloved garden crop that many home gardeners cherish. While it typically takes a full growing season to mature, there’s a special technique called “forcing” that allows you to harvest this hardy perennial much earlier and with sweeter, more tender stalks. If you want to enjoy your rhubarb earlier than usual, this method is for you! In this article, we will explore the process of forcing rhubarb, why it works, and how you can use this technique in your own garden.
What is Forcing Rhubarb?
Forcing rhubarb refers to a technique where you encourage your rhubarb plants to grow early in the season by creating conditions that promote faster and sweeter growth. Forcing involves covering your established rhubarb plants with a protective cloche, pot, or bucket, which traps heat and moisture around the plant. This encourages the plant to sprout earlier, and the stalks that grow are often more tender and sweeter than those produced by unforced rhubarb. Essentially, you’re tricking your rhubarb into thinking it’s already summer, even though it’s still spring!
This technique works particularly well with older, mature rhubarb plants. Forcing can be done during late winter or early spring when you want to enjoy an earlier harvest. It’s a tried-and-true method that has been used by gardeners for centuries to get a jumpstart on the growing season.
Why Should You Force Rhubarb?
The main reason people force rhubarb is to get an earlier harvest. By doing so, you can enjoy fresh, tender rhubarb before the rest of your garden is ready to yield. But there are other benefits as well:
- Sweeter Stalks: Forced rhubarb tends to have a sweeter flavor than the stalks grown in the open air. This is because forcing deprives the plant of sunlight, reducing the amount of tartness that typically develops in rhubarb leaves. Without the full sun, the plant produces less oxalic acid, making the stalks taste sweeter.
- Tender Stalks: Forcing also leads to tender stalks. Rhubarb that is forced often has a more delicate texture and is easier to eat, especially for those who prefer a more mild flavor and texture in their dishes.
- Earlier Harvest: Forcing rhubarb allows you to enjoy this delicious plant much earlier than usual. Typically, rhubarb plants are ready to be harvested in late spring or early summer, but with forcing, you can begin harvesting as early as late winter or early spring.
- Extend the Growing Season: Forcing rhubarb also extends your growing season. After forcing, you can continue to harvest your rhubarb later in the season, once the plant has returned to its normal growing cycle.
When to Force Rhubarb
The best time to begin forcing rhubarb is in late winter or early spring, before the plant has had a chance to fully break dormancy. Ideally, you should start the forcing process in early February or March, depending on your location. You want the plant to be dormant but not frozen, as you need the roots to be active but still in a state of rest.
If you’re in a colder climate, it’s important to wait until after the frost has passed and the weather has warmed up enough for the plant to grow inside the cover. Once the ground is workable and temperatures have warmed a bit, you can start the process of forcing your rhubarb.
How to Force Rhubarb: Step-by-Step
- Select the Right Plants: Forcing works best with mature rhubarb crowns that are well-established in your garden. You want a plant that has been growing for at least 2-3 years. Younger plants may not have enough energy to handle the forcing process, so it’s important to wait until your plant is strong and established before attempting to force it.
- Prepare the Rhubarb Bed: Before you begin forcing, make sure your rhubarb bed is well-prepared. Rhubarb plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. In preparation, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients. Additionally, make sure the soil is loose and well-drained to prevent root rot.
- Cover the Rhubarb Plant: Once your plant is established and the forcing season has arrived, it’s time to cover your rhubarb. You can use a large pot, an upturned container, or a cloche. The goal is to trap heat and moisture around the plant, so it’s best to use something that will allow the plant to receive warmth without letting in too much light. Some gardeners even use large plastic buckets or black trash cans to create the necessary conditions. The key is to block out the sunlight while keeping the plant warm.
- Water and Maintain Moisture: It’s important to keep the soil around the rhubarb plant moist during the forcing process. This helps to keep the plant hydrated and encourages faster growth. You should water the plant deeply once every few days, depending on the weather, to maintain the proper moisture levels in the soil.
- Wait for Growth: Within a few weeks, you should start to notice the rhubarb stalks emerging from under the cover. These stalks will be pale, tender, and sweet—perfect for early harvesting! It may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks for the stalks to grow to a harvestable size, depending on the temperature and the conditions around the plant.
- Harvest the Rhubarb: Once the rhubarb stalks have reached a decent size (typically 12-18 inches), it’s time to harvest. You can gently pull the stalks from the plant, making sure to leave the crown intact for future growth. Only harvest a few stalks at a time to avoid damaging the plant and to allow it to continue growing.
- Post-Forcing Care: After forcing, the rhubarb plant needs a period of rest. Allow the plant to return to its normal growing cycle, and be sure to remove the forcing cover. At this point, you can begin harvesting the rest of your rhubarb as the season progresses.
- Aftercare for the Plant: Once the forcing period is over, it’s important to give your plant proper care to ensure healthy growth for the remainder of the season. Continue to water the plant regularly and apply fertilizer as needed. As the plant resumes its growth cycle, you can remove any dead or damaged leaves and allow it to continue growing naturally.
Additional Tips for Forcing Rhubarb
- Don’t force too early: If you force your rhubarb too early, it may exhaust the plant and result in weaker growth later in the season. Be sure to wait until the plant is mature enough to handle the forcing process.
- Avoid forcing every year: Forcing rhubarb every year can put too much stress on the plant. It’s best to force it every 2-3 years to ensure long-term health.
- Fertilize before forcing: Before you begin forcing, apply an organic fertilizer to the rhubarb bed to give the plant extra nutrients and energy for the growing season.
Conclusion
Forcing rhubarb is a great way to enjoy an earlier, sweeter, and more tender harvest, all while extending your growing season. By using this simple technique, you can enjoy fresh rhubarb months before other gardeners have even begun their harvest. With a little patience and care, you’ll be able to create a beautiful rhubarb crop that will reward you with delicious dishes all year long. So, why not give it a try? Start forcing your rhubarb today and enjoy the early taste of spring!