[Florablunder]

Decided to have a go at forcing one of the rhubarb plants this year - so I put a black bucket over the top of the crown in January. After several weeks, some pink shoots started to appear, but they were very slow growing and only got to about 4 inches long then seemed to rot off at the top. I've removed the bucket now to let the plant recover. Meanwhile, the unforced rhubarb next to it has romped away and I've already started harvesting it. Any ideas what went wrong? Could it be that warm spell we had last month?
I can't remember now which variety it is - I had timperley and victoria originally, but I divided the plants a few years ago and lost track of which is which.

[Lardman]

Plastic buckets aren't ideal for forcing, they tend to trap hot moist air causing things to rot.  Forcing will not necessarily produce stems quicker but they will be sweeter and more tender as light has been excluded. Feed the crown well now and try again next year with a cover which allows air to circulate.

[Florablunder]

Thanks - that's helpful advice, will try and find something more suitable for next year.

[Alank]

My grandad used old chimney pots filled with straw to force his rhubarb and always had good results.