Frozen rhubarb

[jayjay giant]

I grew my rhubarb in an old recycling box last year and both crowns did really well. However like a real fool I left it in the container and the said container outside. The whole thing is now a solid frozen lump ! Every square inch of soil in the container is rock solid.
Do you think it will recover when it thaws out or is it just fit for the compost bin ?
The variety is Early Victorian and this will be it's 3rd season.

Cheers

James (M6JDB)

[ginger ninger]

I'm hoping so James, mines solid as well if I remember rightly mine froze solid last year and I had a crop this last season, so fingers crossed. I've dragged mine a little bit nearer the house for a bit more protection. With a bit of luck it'll be thawed out by spring

[pdblake]

It should do, rhubarb is not easy to kill

[Flummery]

Mine' is in the ground but it gets frozen evey year. It's supposed to improve its flavour I believe. Or did I dream that?

[lainey lou]

Don't some folk dig it up and deliberately frost it prior to forcing?

[basketcase]

Mine' is in the ground but it gets frozen evey year. It's supposed to improve its flavour I believe. Or did I dream that?

I seem to recall reading that too, Flum.

So maybe, James, you aren't a rhubarb fool after all ducks & runs

[ginger ninger]

Mine' is in the ground but it gets frozen evey year. It's supposed to improve its flavour I believe. Or did I dream that?

Mine was yumilishes last season, so if it improves I'll be well happy Aunty Flum .

[sarraceniac]

Don't some folk dig it up and deliberately frost it prior to forcing?

Yes. Mature crowns apparently force better after frosting. Dunno if it's true never had the nerve to try it (or energy. Have you seen the size of a mature crown? )

[basketcase]

Yes. Mature crowns apparently force better after frosting. Dunno if it's true never had the nerve to try it (or energy. Have you seen the size of a mature crown? )

Don't worry, sarraceniac; I tried to remove a rhubarb crown that was taking up several square feet once - well, more than once, actually It wouldn't die...

[rustylady]

Wait for the warmer weather and see what happens. Should be fine, rhubarb is extremely hardy.

[jayjay giant]

So maybe, James, you aren't a rhubarb fool after all ducks & runs

Christ, that made the wife cry with laughter !

[Flummery]

Christ, that made the wife cry with laughter !

Ducks & runs eh? So you're a bird fancier?

[basketcase]

Ducks & runs eh? So you're a bird fancier?

Well, flum, the old "grins ducks and runs" is the closest I can get to poultry-keeping! We can't keep livestock (including bees ) on the lottie.

And, tempted by certain of my neighbours as I am, ducks (or, more likely, geese) on the verandah is a little too eccentric, even for me...

[basketcase]

Christ, that made the wife cry with laughter !

Glad to oblige...