Albino rhubarb

We started a small experiment in our garden. We own three rhubarb plants, which showed their first red signs already in February. From that moment on, we hid one plant under a large old pot, so the plant is completely isolated and blocked for light. The pot created a dark and warm little micro climate for the rhubarb. We read about this method in an old vegetable garden book; it forces the growing process and it also makes the rhubarb whiter and therefore less sour (like we do with chicory to make it less bitter).

I couldn't wait to take a little peek underneath the pot. Now let us present to you the result after two months:

The 'normal' one

The covered one

These pictures are made at the same time, and reveal a clear contrast between the hidden, lighter and larger rhubarb, and the other plant that was exposed to sun and cold weather. What a difference! And what great colours! This experiment directly shows the impact of warmth on the growing speed of plants, and the influence of sunbeams on their colours (or chlorophyll level). Pretty awesome.

Stay tuned for the next experiment in which we will test the difference in texture and taste of our two rhubarb plants.