[chickpeacurry]

In two weeks my two year old rhubarb has grown huge. How can I tell when it is ready to be picked. The stems are thick. If I pick some does it encourage further growth.

[New shoot]

You can pick it as soon as you see a stalk you think is worth picking    Pull the stalk off sharply and it will detach neatly at the base.

The rhubarb will make more stalks but as it is only 2 years old, don't be too greedy.  It needs enough leaves to bulk itself up and letting it do that now will pay you back for years to come 

[BumbleJo]

Hi, I am wondering how long you should force rhubarb for? Mine was going great but has now started to look a bit weedy whereas the stalks outside the forcing pot are growing well.  Should I take the pot off now ?

[mumofstig]

I would, too late for forcing now 

[BumbleJo]

I would, too late for forcing now 

Thanks Mum, couldn't find out from the net.  Will take the pot of first thing tomorrow.  Fist thing for me is usually around 6am! 😮

[snowdrops]

Remember not too force the same plant for the next 2/3 years to let it recover

[BumbleJo]

Remember not too force the same plant for the next 2/3 years to let it recover

Yep will do Snowdrops.  Just glad to be picking some, last year was the first year and we didn't touch either of our two plants.  Will maybe force the other one next year.

[Kristen]

Remember not too force the same plant for the next 2/3 years to let it recover

Does that apply to "sticking a bucket over it"? or rather to digging it, potting in a container and forcing it indoors in the dark? (even by candle light as they do in Yorkshire )

I always assumed that chucking a bucket over it for a month (until about now) was fine to repeat each year, but maybe not?

[BumbleJo]

Remember not too force the same plant for the next 2/3 years to let it recover

Does that apply to "sticking a bucket over it"? or rather to digging it, potting in a container and forcing it indoors in the dark? (even by candle light as they do in Yorkshire )

I always assumed that chucking a bucket over it for a month (until about now) was fine to repeat each year, but maybe not?

It applies to the bucket thing as well Kristen, from what I've read.

[snowdrops]

As I understand it, forcing it Under a bucket in situ  should only be done every 3 years, if you dig a clump up, let the frost get to it, then put in the dark to force it as they do in good old Yorkshire, you then need to discard the root as you have weakened it too much. A couple of years ago I went on a trip to Oldroyds? In the rhubarb triangle. Well worth a visit at this time of year.

http://www.yorkshirerhubarb.co.uk/ruhbarb_triangle.htm

Sorry tours closed until December