Rhubarb - what happened?

[cinnpie]

Hi-

I planted a small rhubarb crown a few weeks ago in a 50/50 manure compost mix and watered in and put a tin pot over it to 'force' it. The pot came off af few days later and the crown had collapsed. The sun shone for a few days after and then rain and that was the end of my crown, wilt and rot ,nothing left. What happened?

Cin

[shirlthegirl43]

You need a strong, well-established crown to be able to force it. Planting a new one and asking it to grow fast was just too much for it I guess.

Plant a new crown and allow it to get a good hold before trying to force it again. I would say to plant now, harvest lightly next year and force the year after. However, after forcing you will either bin the crown or allow it to rest for a year or two before forcing again.

[cinnpie]

A-ha!! Thank you!

Cin 8)

[seasprout]

Yes , it needs to be an established plant before forcing, then given couple of years rest before doing it again.

Sound like total lack of roots which did it in.