Gardeners hoping for the 'healthiest' rhubarb plants urged to avoid 1 task in April

The crisp winter weather frustrates many gardeners, especially those growing non-hardy plants and hoping for fruitful crops. But the chilly air holds the secret to one of 's most intriguing tricks - .

Forcing rhubarb is a horticultural technique used to produce sweeter, more tender stalks by depriving the of light earlier in the season. The forced rhubarb is usually ready for harvest seven to eight weeks after covering and is an incredibly effective way to enjoy homegrown throughout spring. However, a horticulturalist has warned that this is not the case if it's done too late.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Erik Collado Vidal said: "I wouldn't force rhubarb in April. It's too late in the season. By this time, the plant is already pushing up natural growth.

"Forcing works best during the winter dormancy period, December through March, when the plant's energy is concentrated in the crown and not used to produce leaves and stems.

"That stored energy is what gives you those tender, sweet stalks during forcing. Once you see new shoots breaking through the soil, the plant is moving into its normal growth phase, and forcing interrupts that."

Gardeners attempting to force rhubarb now aren't just late to the party but also risk ruining their future rhubarb harvests.

Erik explained: "In April, you risk pulling too much from the plant when it's already allocating energy to growth. I've seen gardeners try it late in the season, and the result is usually thin, weak stems. The plants often don't bounce back well the following year, either."

Long-lasting damage is also likely as plant recovery becomes difficult because you're draining energy reserves when they're already in use. Over time, that weakens the crown, said Erik.

The healthiest forced rhubarb is "always from dormant crowns, typically late winter." Depending on local temperatures, it is possible to force rhubarb in March in some parts of the world, like Spain and northern Portugal.

But the expert warned that it's too far along by April, even in the cooler UK climate.

However, as with most gardening tasks, there is one instance where it may be possible to bend the rules. Plants without growth above the soil by early March could be forced in April as long as they have a "strong crown that wasn't forced last year."

"But if there's green showing, I'd leave it be," said Erik. He elaborated: "Let it grow naturally and plan to force a different crown next year. Forcing late leads to short-term gains and long-term problems."

Just because it's too late to force rhubarb, it doesn't mean it's too late to grow it. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, you can sow rhubarb seeds in March or April, either indoors or in the ground.

The RHS said: "Outdoors, sow the seeded 2.5cm deep, then thin out the seedlings to 15cm apart."

Indoors, use small pots filled with peat-free compost. Move the young rhubarb plants into their final growing position in autumn or the following spring.

It won't be ready to eat until one year after planting, but the plant should have a strong root system by the second year.