Planting and Growing a Successful Asparagus Patch

As with all vegetables, there will be the lovers, haters and the unaware. My family used to fall into the haters group - bitter, mushy asparagus, no thank you! In the recent years, we tried it again but from friends that had grown it in at home and cooked using different methods. Boy, did that make a difference. Fresh grown asparagus has a vibrant flavor and a light crunch when cooked correctly. So we decided to grow our own as well. Plus some say asparagus is a natural blemish remover (skincare) as well as a natural diuretic. 

Planting

For starters, you can plant seeds or bare roots. We chose to go the route of bare roots, but we'll also cover the basics of planting from seed. Begin by choosing a variety proven to thrive in your area. Check with nursery before purchasing. Different varieties will grow better in different zones and soils. Carefully choose your location, asparagus can thrive in one spot for over 20 years. Asparagus is a full sun plant, but can tolerate some shade. It also prefers lighter, well draining soils with a pH of 6.5-7.0.

Seed

Start seeds indoor in February in northern climates or direct sow when temperatures reach 60 F (15.5 C). Transplant after danger of frost has passed 2-3 in deep. Seedlings will likely be around 1 foot tall at this point.


If you are looking for higher yields, thin out female plants and leave male plants behind. This can be done by examining the flowers - male flowers are larger and longer, while female flowers have 3-lobed pistils. For more information on determining male/female plants visit xtremehoritculture. Male plants will have a higher harvest yield as they won't use energy producing seeds.

Bare Root

Plant immediately upon receipt or wrap with damp moss for up to two weeks.

Dig a trench roughly 18' wide and 6-8" deep to allow root spreading. Soak roots (or crowns) for 20 minutes prior to planting. Place one crown every 18"-24" and cover with 2-3" loose soil. You will need to add soil periodically as the asparagus grows until you are at ground level.

If you have heavy soils, consider amending the soil with compost or potting soil, see video demo below.

I would recommend at least 10 plants, but around 25 is better for household consumption.

Growing

Mulching will help keep weeds to a minimum. Use a hoe to remove weeds, but use caution to avoid disturbing asparagus spears. Keep soil moist by watering regularly the first year or two until root system is well established. If needed, fertilize in spring or fall. Do not harvest the first two years in order to promote further growth and better harvests in future. Mulch for additional protection. Remove leaves (fern like) before spring growth appears to reduce pests and diseases. 

Parsley will improve health and flavor of asparagus if planted nearby. Tomatoes can also help protect against asparagus beetles, while the asparagus may help protect tomatoes from nematodes. Basil, cilantro (coriander) and dill can also be beneficial herbs to plant nearby. AVOID planting near potatoes, leeks, garlic, or onions as they will stunt each others growth.

Pests

Asparagus beetles will attack foliage and spears in the spring and summer. Some are ~1/4" long, shiny black beetles with white or yellow spots on their backs. They lay eggs in the leaves which turn into brown/gray larvae. Another variety is the reddish brown beetle with black spots of wings. These may leave zigzagged patterns on stalks. Hand pick or spray with insecticidal soap. Consider companion planting. Cutworms should be removed by hand and can cause wilting of new spears.

Practice crop rotation to minimize rot (Fusarium wilt, crown rot, etc). Keep weeds to a minimum. 

Harvest

Avoid harvesting the first year after planting. The second year, feel free to take a few stalks, but refrain from a full harvest. Start by harvesting for 2 weeks the third year and adding a week per year after that up to six weeks. This will allow asparagus to develop a hearty root system and boost production the following years.

Harvest when asparagus is 5-7" tall and before the tip has loosened. Cut or snap off spears just above soil level. Leave off harvesting when only thin/skinny spears are produced (<1/2" in diameter). Allow remaining spears to grow and unfurl fern-like foliage. Spears may reach up to 6' in height. Cut to 1-2" above soil after foliage has died.

**Note: You may need to harvest more than once per day as weather warms and spears develop quickly.

Storing

Use within 3 days of picking. Bundle spears together and wrap in moist paper towel before placing in a plastic bag. Storing in a cup of water also works (think fresh cut flowers but only use 1" of water). 

If unable to use immediately consider blanching and freezing for future use. 

For great recipe ideas view Thrifty Cooking posts.


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