A Rare Intact Authentic Victorian Terracotta Rhubarb Forcer
Code: W701-1075
Qty Available: 1
A beautiful authentic lichen-dappled Victorian bell-shape rhubarb forcer with subtle detailing and no visible signs of damage. A must for the vintage gardener, horticultural connoisseur or vegetable enthusiast!
But what is a rhubarb forcer and how does it work?
They're placed over the rhubarb plant early in the growing season plunging it into darkness. The plant responds by growing higher and faster in search of light resulting in the long, pale stalks of rhubarb we're all familiar with. The plant would die without any light - so the lid is occasionally removed to avoid this. To speed up the process straw is often bundled around the forcer to maintain warmth within.
Being made from terracotta and used outdoors, authentic period forcers are becoming increasingly difficult to find - particularly those without significant damage. The lid may or may not be original to the forcer. Being deployed less frequently, they often aged differently to the pot.
Diameter: 37
Height: 55