Introduction

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that produces tangy, colorful stalks that are perfect for making pies, compotes, and jams. It’s a hardy plant that can grow in most climates, but it does require some special care during the winter months.

Growing Conditions

Rhubarb prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It’s important to choose a planting site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Rhubarb is also a heavy feeder, so it’s important to amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or manure.

Winter Care

Rhubarb plants need a period of cold weather in order to produce stems in the spring. In areas with cold winters, rhubarb will naturally go dormant during the winter months. However, in warmer climates, it’s necessary to take steps to protect rhubarb from the heat and provide the necessary chilling period.

Protecting Rhubarb in Winter

• Mulching: A layer of mulch around the base of the plant will help to insulate the crown and protect it from excessive cold. Use 4 to 6 inches of organic compost or shredded leaves.
• Freezing Crowns: In areas where the winter average temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, rhubarb crowns can be dug up and frozen for at least six weeks. This will mimic the cold temperatures that rhubarb needs to produce stems in the spring.

Forcing Rhubarb Stems

If you want to enjoy rhubarb stems in the off-season, you can force them indoors. To do this, dig up the crowns in late fall and place them in a pot filled with potting mix. Keep the pot in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks. Then, move the pot to a warm, sunny location and water regularly. The crowns will start to produce stems within a few weeks.

Dividing Rhubarb

Dividing rhubarb plants is a good way to propagate new plants and improve the health of existing ones. Rhubarb plants should be divided every four to five years. To divide a rhubarb plant, dig it up in early spring and cut the crown into several pieces, each with at least two or three growth nodes. Replant the pieces in well-drained soil and water well.

Growing Rhubarb from Seed

Rhubarb can also be grown from seed. Sow the seeds in flats in September and transplant the seedlings outdoors in late October. Keep the seedlings well-watered and protected from frost.

Conclusion

Rhubarb is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that can provide you with delicious, tangy stems for many years to come. By following these tips, you can ensure that your rhubarb plants thrive both in the summer and winter months.

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.