Did you know about this?

Thought I'd start a new thread that might be interesting to some. I received an email with a link to a wonderful article about Rhubarb Farming in West Yorkshire. Who knew about this!

This English Farmer Grows Yorkshire Rhubarb in the Dark and Harvests by Candlelight During Winter

just thought I'd share and maybe others have interesting articles to share in these cold winter months

 

Yes its over in West Yorkshire , and the growing area is know as the "Rhubarb triangle " , you cannot enter unless you have a jug of custard . Apparently you can hear the rhubarb growing in the dark , which is a bit spooky for me ...................

 

I'm getting my first rhubarb plant soon
My father in law is providing it, so I know it will be good
To save me asking uncle internet, ( being lazy ) what aspect and conditions do they prefer?

 

I wish I could be of help My first plant died. And this is going to only be year 2 for this last one, if it comes back

 

Plenty muck and plenty light. Im growing 2 from tiny plants bought for 10p each. Will they live or will they die?
To force or not to force that is the question.

 

@WeeTam , wait till they get bigger then, decide. The force will be with you

 

Something else to consider they shouldn't be harvest at all first year I believe and 2nd year should be a small harvest , 3rd year harvest away. And they are best left alone from July ish on wards to regain their strength.

I seen this force before on the tv can't remember what I seen it on

 

Good info @Perki thanks. @CanadianLori hope you have more luck this year
Are they fussed about soil type?
I have clay/ loam.
The veggie area is loam.
I ask this because father in laws soil is clay....

 

Wasn't there a BBC TV documentary called "The Rhubarb Triangle?"

I seem to remember them growing it in dark sheds to force it along.
A few videos on YouTube, but not the documentary.

 

Clay soil very rich something rhurbarb will like but I would work in organic matter, plant the crown above soil level to prevent rotting . I mulch mine in the spring and feed and feed again once I've finished harvesting .
I am sure smaller / younger the stems the sweeter they are , large thick stems are defiantly more bitter.

 

For heaven's sake, whisper. Next thing @Jack McHammocklashing will be loading his belly button with sugar in anticipation

 

Rhubarb needs good rich soil, lots of organic matter. They are fairly gross feeders, so mulch and feed every year. Also water well in dry weather. Used to grow well on old toilet pits. Will take cold weather and in fact to force it well requires a chilling period. The Yorkshire farmers lift the crowns and leave outside to get frosted before moving into the forcing sheds. Remove any flower shoots that appear. The roots can get big and have spongy appearance.
Originally came from the steppes of Central Asia where it grows in the deep alluvial soils, has plenty of moisture from the spring thaw and then disappears back underground later in the summer.
When first introduced it was for its medicinal properties. You can get ornamental varieties as well.
I believe RHS Harlow Carr has the national collection.