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Asparagus

Asparagus officinalis

INTRODUCTION

Asparagus, the elite of kitchen garden and allotment vegetables, can be expected to crop for between fifteen and twenty years from the same bed. The downside, Asparagus will take up to three years to establish and ties up quite a lot of ground for the remaining season.

This crop will supply you with a delicious harvest from mid-spring until early summer with a careful selection of varieties. There is no doubt though, if you have the space on your plot and the patience to wait for your first harvest, you will be very well rewarded.

Soil Preparation

Asparagus is a very long term crop and good soil preparation is essential for the best results.

The site should be free draining, weed-free and sheltered from strong winds.

The soil should be fertile, moisture-retentive, and around 6.5 -7.5 as Asparagus dislike acidic conditions.

Add plenty of well-rotted manure or other organic material into the planting site ahead of planting.

Sowing & Planting

Although Asparagus can be produced from seed, it is more usual to establish the crop from Asparagus 'Crowns' which are already 2-3 year-old roots.

Producing from crowns rather than seed speeds bed establishment and gives you access to a much greater range of modern varieties.

Crowns are lifted the previous autumn, stored over winter and are dispatched from early April. They should be unpacked immediately upon arrival. 

Crowns need to be rehydrated by immersing in water for 4-5 hours before planting.

Plant into trenches 20cm (8 inches) deep with a ridge of soil created in the centre. Lay the crowns with tips facing upwards and allow roots to hang down on either side of the ridge.

Plant with 45cm (18 inches) between crowns and 90cm (3ft) between individual rows.

Cover crowns with soil to a depth of no more than 8cm (3 inches) and water thoroughly.

Growing & General Cultivation

Keep Asparagus beds weed-free.

Water well during the establishment phase and each subsequent season while the crop is in growth. Mulch well to retain moisture.

Avoid soil compaction as this can result in bent spears as they emerge in spring.

Do not be tempted to harvest for the first 2 years after planting to allow crop to establish. Harvest lightly in year 3.

Allow the ferns, which follow the spears. to grow fully. Support on exposed sites if necessary.

Remove any self-set seedlings that may try to establish. They will never make good plants and will only overcrowd developing beds.

Cut down and remove ferns in the autumn when they have turned yellow and died down.

Pests & Diseases

Asparagus is a relatively pest and disease-free crop to produce. The main issues may be:

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for newly emerging spears in the spring - for remedies - see product directory.

Asparagus Beetle can attack the stems and foliage. There are two generations each year appearing in spring and again in early autumn. Always clear away foliage in the autumn to deter overwintering of adults. Adults and larvae can be removed by hand. Chemical spray should only be applied during the evening if outbreaks are severe. See Product Directory for details.

Violet Root Rot will result in yellowing foliage, stunted growth and dark purple fungi around the root area. This disease is most prevalent in wet acidic soils. Ensure soil is adequately drained and pH levels are correct before establishing Asparagus beds.

Harvesting

Do not harvest until at least year 3 after planting.

Once established, Asparagus should be ready for harvesting from mid-spring for a period of 6-8 weeks depending on the varieties being grown.

Earlier harvests can be made by covering the soil with fleece in late winter.

Cut spears when they reach 15cm (6 inches) in height with a sharp knife 5cm (2 inches) below soil level.  (Asparagus knives are available)

Harvest every 2-3 days in warm weather, as spears will quickly go over.

Always eat fresh, Asparagus does not store well and quality will deteriorate soon after harvest.

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