English Terracotta Forcers
Best choice for gardeners seeking sweeter rhubarb and early seasonal harvests.
Cultivate the sweetest, delicately pink rhubarb with these English Terracotta Forcers, following esteemed Victorian tradition. As seen on The Great Pottery Throwdown, these forcers offer architectural strength and beauty in the garden. The restricted light promotes a less acidic, sweeter crop, ideal for cooking. They also function as a cloche for early harvests of fruits and vegetables in colder climates. Each piece is handcrafted in England from a special blend of local clays, ensuring the highest grade of frostproof terracotta.
$348.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
11
/ 963
#11 in Greenhouses
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Material
Ceramic, Terracotta
/ Ceramic, Terracotta
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking an early jump on the harvest season
- Design-conscious growers wanting a classic, rustic garden aesthetic
- Serious horticulturists needing stable, natural thermal regulation for crops
Who should skip it
- People with limited physical strength or minimal garden storage capacity
- Budget-focused gardeners preferring affordable or DIY alternatives
- Gardeners lacking indoor storage space for delicate seasonal equipment
Performance breakdown
Material Durability
High-grade frostproof terracotta ensures longevity through harsh seasonal temperature swings.
Heritage Craftsmanship
Handmade by Whichford Pottery, honoring authentic Victorian gardening traditions.
Forcing Efficacy
Light-blocking design consistently produces tender, sweet, and perfectly blanched rhubarb.
Garden Aesthetics
Architectural silhouette adds a sophisticated, timeless focal point to any garden.
Versatility
Doubles as a protective cloche for early-season vegetable and fruit starts.
Maintenance Ease
Requires zero assembly and minimal upkeep for year-round outdoor utility.
Key Specs
Material
Ceramic, Terracotta
Style
Victorian tradition
Medium Forcer Dimensions
12.5" wide x 19" tall
Large Forcer Dimensions
15" wide x 27" tall
Warranty
10-year frost-proof guarantee
Country of Origin
England
Manufacturer
Whichford Pottery
Intended Use Location
Outdoor
Features
- Creates sweeter, less acidic rhubarb
- Functions as a cloche for early harvest
- Handmade using special local clay
- Highest grade frostproof terracotta
- Victorian tradition design
- Suitable for rhubarb, fruit, and vegetables
- 10-year frost-proof guarantee
What customers say
Customers regard the English Terracotta Forcers as a premium, heirloom quality gardening investment. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment centers on authentic craftsmanship and exceptional functionality. Reviewers praise the beautiful, traditional design, noting the terracotta develops a lovely patina that enhances garden aesthetics. The core function of forcing early crops is executed flawlessly, yielding tender harvests that justify the purchase. While the initial price is high, the consensus points to excellent long term value due to durability and the profound satisfaction derived from using these functional garden sculptures. Minor concerns about terracotta fragility are accepted trade-offs for superior performance and classic looks. This product strongly appeals to gardeners valuing heritage and effective results.
Know before you buy
By blocking out light, the forcer forces the plant to grow rapidly in search of sunlight. This process prevents the plant from producing chlorophyll, which results in more tender stalks and a significantly sweeter, less acidic flavor profile.
Yes. These forcers are crafted from high-grade, frostproof terracotta and come with a 10-year frost-proof guarantee, meaning they are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions year-round.
They function effectively as a cloche for any early-season crops. You can place them over young vegetables or fruits to protect them from cold temperatures and wind, helping to jumpstart your harvest.
The medium forcer is best suited for smaller or younger rhubarb crowns, while the large forcer is recommended for mature, established plants that require more vertical and horizontal space to thrive.
No assembly is required. Each piece is handcrafted as a single, solid unit, so it is ready to be placed directly over your plants as soon as you receive it.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.