10 Easy Pieces: Terra Cotta Rhubarb Forcers for Early Harvests

Terra cotta rhubarb forcers coax tender shoots in early spring and double as sculptural garden accents. Also work for asparagus and chicory. Popular in the UK, rare in the US—here are 10 favorites.

Top Forcers

Ruardean Garden Pottery (UK). Hand‑thrown Chimney and Bell shapes, four sizes (18–24″), £95–£205.

Burford Traditional Terracotta Forcer. 52 cm, removable lid, £60. Fill with straw over emerging bud; don’t force same plant consecutively.

Whichford Pottery (North Cotswolds). Made‑to‑order tall forcers, 68 cm (£180) and 78 cm (£250).

Crocus Terracotta Forcer. 50 cm and 60 cm; £89.99–£99.99.

Pots and Pithoi (Crete). 50 cm with side handles; £85.

Hen and Hammock (UK). Frost‑proof, 60 cm; £90.

Vintage Tall Terracotta Forcer (c. 1930). With lid (likely not original); $950 from 1stdibs.

RHS Shop Forcer. Two sizes; £89.99–£99.99.

Victorian‑Style Clay Cloche (Gardens4Less). 39 cm base, hand‑thrown; £56.99.

Frostproof Terracotta Forcer (eBay). Auction starting at £42.95.

UK renaissance traced to Duke of Edinburgh’s chance query to potter John Huggins at Chelsea Flower Show.