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Can rhubarb be grown indoors?
Yes indeed, it is possible to grow rhubarb plants in containers. Almost any plant can be container grown; sometimes it just requires a pot large enough to accommodate it.
When should I start forcing my rhubarb?
Wait until the stalks are around 20-30cm in length before harvesting. Once they have grown, gently pull them from the base of the crown and remove any leaves before washing and cooking the stems.
Is Forcing rhubarb real?
Forcing rhubarb isn’t a natural process. It’s a bit like running a marathon: you get to the end faster but it doesn’t half take it out of you! Crowns that have been forced should be left to recover the following year or else you risk weakening the plant and making it susceptible to disease.
Should I cover my rhubarb?
Forcing rhubarb – covering the crowns to prevent light reaching them – will encourage the plants to make early growth. Force the stems of established rhubarb plants only – young plants may not have sufficient energy reserves to produce early stems, and subsequent growth may be compromised.
What’s the best way to force rhubarb in a pot?
Use a large pot, dustbin or decorative rhubarb forcer to cover the crown. Plug any holes to exclude light. In cold regions or to speed forcing, insulate the outside of the pot with a thick layer of straw or bubble wrap.
What to do with forced rhubarb in winter?
Well, the yield from forced rhubarb will be about half that of the same crown grown naturally outside, so I’d say at least a couple. 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.
How old does rhubarb have to be to be forced?
Where temperatures are colder, crown can be dug up in fall and left in the garden to chill until temperatures become too cold, when they are then moved into a forcing structure. When forcing rhubarb, you want the largest crowns, those that are at least 3 years of age.
What’s the best way to cover rhubarb crowns?
Use a large pot, dustbin or decorative rhubarb forcer to cover the crown. Plug any holes to exclude light. In cold regions or to speed forcing, insulate the outside of the pot with a thick layer of straw or bubble wrap. Covering the rhubarb crowns with a bin lid.