Imagine savouring the first sweet, tender stalks of rhubarb in early spring, when the garden is just beginning to wake from its winter slumber. By forcing rhubarb, you can bring a taste of the new season into your kitchen weeks ahead of schedule, transforming those pale pink stalks into delicious crumbles, jams, or even a refreshing rhubarb fizz.
The benefits of forced rhubarb go beyond just an earlier harvest. The stems produced through this method are sweeter and more delicate than those grown under normal conditions. Because the plant is deprived of light, it doesn’t develop the bitterness that can sometimes characterize rhubarb. This means you’ll need less sugar when cooking, allowing the natural flavours of the rhubarb to shine through. Whether used in a traditional crumble or a modern cocktail, forced rhubarb is a true spring delicacy.
How to Force Rhubarb
Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb Crown
You can start forcing rhubarb as early as January. Select a healthy, mature crown that hasn’t been forced the previous year. Begin by clearing away any old leaves and weeds from around the rhubarb crown. This allows you to start with a clean base and ensures that the nutrients from the mulch will reach the plant efficiently. Apply a generous layer of well-rotted manure or garden compost around the base to boost the crown’s nutrient levels and support vigorous growth.
Step 2: Cover the Crown
Next, cover the crown with a large pot, dustbin, or a decorative rhubarb forcer. Make sure to plug any holes with tape or cloth to exclude all light. In colder regions, or if you want to speed up the process, consider insulating the outside of the cover with a thick layer of straw or bubble wrap. This creates a warm, protected environment that encourages quicker growth.
Step 3: Harvesting
After 8 to 10 weeks, the forced rhubarb stems will be ready to harvest. Carefully pull the stems away from the base, taking care not to damage the crown. Remember to discard the leaves as they are toxic. The pale, tender stalks are now ready to be transformed into delicious springtime dishes.
Care and Maintenance
Forcing rhubarb takes up a lot of energy. Once you’ve harvested the forced stems, it’s important to let the plant recover for the rest of the growing season and not to force it the following year. Having several rhubarb plants is beneficial, while you force one, the others can rest.
Once you’ve harvested the stems from the forced rhubarb, it’s a good idea to apply more well-rotted manure or garden compost around the crown to help it recover.
Additionally, keep an eye out for pests, particularly slugs, which might be attracted to the warm, damp environment inside the forcing pot. Regularly check your plants and remove any pests
Rhubarb Varieties to Force
While you can force any variety of rhubarb, some are particularly well-suited to this method. For example, ‘Victoria’ is a reliable all-rounder known for its robust growth and sweet stems. If you’re looking for something more unique, consider ‘Stockbridge Arrow,’ a deep-red variety bred in Yorkshire’s famous rhubarb triangle.