Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus is a perennial stem vegetable that greets us every spring. It may take 2 to 3 years to get started and produce, so patience is needed! But then the plant can be productive up to 20 years, so we think it's worth the wait. Asparagus has male and female plants, with the female plants producing berries. Regions with cool winters are best for this cool-season crop.
How to Grow Asparagus
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Growing from Seed
Pre-soaking seeds may aid germination.
Planting Considerations
Aspargus seedlings should be transplanted out once they have been hardened off and the danger of frost has passed. Asparagus crowns can be planted in the early spring once the soil is workable. For regions with mild winters, transplant asparagus in the late fall or winter. Asparagus does not like to have its feet wet so be sure your bed has good drainage. For that reason, raised beds can be a good place to plant asparagus. Eliminate all weeds from the bed, digging it over and working in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost, manure or soil mix. Dig trenches of about 6 inches wide and 6 to 12 inches deep. Some experts believe shallow trenches of 6 inches are best. Create a mound in the trench and plant the crowns 15 to 18 inches apart, spreading the roots over the ridge.
Harvesting
Asparagus can take three growing seasons to harvest; you may be able to lightly harvest during the second year. In the first year, just let the asparagus go vegetative to give the crown a chance to get well established. Next spring, remove the old fern growth from the previous year, and keep an eye open for the new spears to begin emerging. For the following years, maintain the bed and harvest only the spears thicker than a pencil. Harvest for 2 or 3 weeks. After you harvest, leave the ferns so it can gather nourishment for next year's growth.
Storage
Store asparagus in the fridge in the crisper drawer, or in a glass of water cut-side down to keep them fresh and crisp!
