Forcing Rhubarb

[noviceveggrower]

Hi,
I have several rhubarb plants at allotment and one at home that goes mental every year. A friend of my moms has asked me if I could let her have some and in particular could I force some for her. I have never forced rhubarb before. So am going to try to force the one at home for her.
I know I have to cover it up just a few questions.
Can I put a bucket over it now or do I have to wait for signs of shoots from it?
Is a bucket ok for the job?
How long does it take?
And finally how can you tell when it is ready to pick?
Thanks everyone

[roitelet]

A big plastic dustbin with a large weight on top would be better and it is ready when it is long enough, that is when it reaches the top of the dustbin, It grows fast so will only take a few weeks especially with the mild weather we are having. When you have forced a crown dont take anything from it for the rest of the year and feed it to allow it to regain its strength.

[Bill HH]

I have a question regarding rhubarb, do people force rhubarb purely to get it quicker or is there some advantage in the flavour?

[redser]

I'm only doing it this year for the first time but apparently yes it tastes very sweet, almost a delicacy. Or so I've read ...

[Kristen]

I have a question regarding rhubarb, do people force rhubarb purely to get it quicker or is there some advantage in the flavour?

Both. It should result in sweet stems. Can't think why though (i.e. what the chemistry is). Less Alkaloids (or whatever it is that the leaves produce that is poisonous?)