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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Duke Ellington on February 13, 2018, 18:30:45

Title: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: Duke Ellington on February 13, 2018, 18:30:45

I have never done this before but would like to try. What do I have to do and have I left it too late? I have an old black dustbin without a lid.

Duke

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: Pescador on February 13, 2018, 19:13:01

I've done it before at this time of year. I suppose it depends a bit on where abouts you live, and the forecast for the rest of Feb is pretty cold!
However, with a spare black bin, I'd cover 1 or 2 or 3 of your crowns, (depending on how close they are), with the bin, and then insulate with compost/manure/bubble wrap held in place with chicken wire or something similar.

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: Tee Gee on February 13, 2018, 19:27:11

A lot depends on high they are now!

If they are at the stump stage then I would say it is OK (1st Pic)

If they are quite tall I think you are wasting your time as they will have already partially matured.(Pic2)

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: Pescador on February 13, 2018, 20:16:10

Wish mine were advanced as those Tee Gee!!

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: Tee Gee on February 13, 2018, 20:45:52

Quote from: Pescador on February 13, 2018, 20:16:10

Wish mine were advanced as those Tee Gee!!

Sorry to say these are old photos,my plants will probably not have surfaced yet.

I just used the pictures to back up my reply to Duke!

The first picture was taken in mid April a couple of years ago.

I don't know what variety they are, all I can say is it is usually May/June before I start harvesting stems from them.

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: Duke Ellington on February 13, 2018, 21:14:48

 Ty TG and Pescador  ! Mine are just starting to appear so I will  cover this week! Just have to figure out a way to keep the dustbin secure.

Duke

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: johhnyco15 on February 14, 2018, 17:28:30

as its cold and as tg says if they are budding then fine here on the sunshine coast we have been eating it the last 2 weeks no forcing required

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: Pescador on February 14, 2018, 19:03:18

Is that this year Johny?

Title: Re: Is it too late to force Rhubarb?
Post by: johhnyco15 on February 14, 2018, 19:56:37

Quote from: Pescador on February 14, 2018, 19:03:18

Is that this year Johny?

no its last year early march didnt take any of this years first harvest its about half the size of the ones in the picture  this pic was taken early jan this year