Asparagus, commonly known as Garden Asparagus and Sparrow Grass, is a historical vegetable plant from the family Asparagaceae. It first appeared in the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asian regions. Asparagus is cultivated for its unique, mild flavor and is well-known for its juicy, soft spears. It can also be used as a kitchen item in many ways.
An asparagus crown is a mature root system of the asparagus plant, usually one or two years old. It consists of a central rhizome from which multiple roots and buds emerge. When planted in soil, these crowns develop into complete asparagus plants. Growing asparagus from crowns is preferred over starting from seeds because it shortens the time before harvest.
Growcycle offers a guide for new gardeners on cultivating asparagus crowns. It helps new and experienced gardeners grow asparagus and enjoy its flavor and taste.
Why Grow Asparagus?
Asparagus is a yearly vegetable with flavorful, tender spears. Once developed, an asparagus bed is a long-lasting addition to any home garden, producing crops for 15 to 20 years. Asparagus is a nutritious and tasty option for homegrown produce, high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.
Types of Asparagus
These three varieties of asparagus are versatile and nutritious additions to meals. They have distinct flavors and culinary uses.
1. Green Asparagus
Green asparagus is the most common type, widely available in grocery stores and home gardens. It grows naturally in sunlight and develops its green color due to chlorophyll production.
It has a slightly grassy, earthy flavor and a tender yet somewhat fibrous texture. It is high in vitamins A, C, and K and is often used in stir-fries, salads, grilling, or roasting.
2. White Asparagus
White asparagus is grown by covering the plants with soil or opaque plastic to block sunlight, preventing chlorophyll formation. As a result, the spears remain pale and have a milder, slightly sweeter taste compared to green asparagus.
It is popular in European culinary dishes, especially in Germany and France, where it is often served with sauce or butter. Its texture is more fibrous, requiring peeling before cooking.
3. Purple Asparagus
This variety has a striking deep purple color due to high levels of anthocyanins, which are antioxidants. It is typically sweeter and more tender than green and white asparagus, making it ideal for raw consumption in salads or light cooking. However, when cooked, its purple color often turns green.
Purple asparagus has fewer fibrous strands, a more delicate bite, and a slightly nutty flavor. It is less commonly found than green asparagus but is gaining market popularity.
How to Grow Asparagus from Crowns
Here is a guide to grow and enjoy the tasty flavors of asparagus from its crowns:
Preparing the Planting Area
Choosing a variety that suits the environment and tastes is crucial before cultivation. Since asparagus is a long-term crop, select the right location and correctly prepare the soil for success.
- Choose a location with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the soil drains well, as waterlogged soil can cause asparagus roots to rot. Do not plant asparagus where potatoes, onions, or garlic were once grown to avoid diseases.
- Loamy, sandy, or well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for asparagus. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to provide extra nutrients before planting. To make a planting bed smooth, remove big rocks and weeds.
Planting Asparagus Crowns
The ideal time to plant asparagus crowns is early spring when the soil is ready for cultivation.
- Dig a trench 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep. The trenches should be spaced three to four feet apart to promote healthy root development.
- Place the asparagus crowns in the trench with the roots spread like a starfish. Space the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart to give them room to develop.
- Cover the crowns with 2 to 3 inches of soil, exposing the tops. Gradually fill the trench with more soil as the plants grow until they are level with the ground.
Watering and Mulching
- Water newly planted crowns regularly, but avoid overwatering. The soil should be moist but not wet.
- Apply a layer of mulch like straw, wood chips, or leaves to retain moisture and suppress herbs.
Caring for Asparagus Plants
Once asparagus plants start growing, they require proper care to stay healthy and productive. Here is a guide for its care:
1. Fertilizers and Herbicides
To support growth, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring. After the first harvest, use compost or aged manure as a top nutrient dressing. Asparagus does not compete well with herbs. Keep the area herb-free by hand-pulling herbs or using herbicides.
2. Pest and Disease Management
Common pests include asparagus beetles and aphids. To prevent fungal diseases, remove beetles by hand or use insecticidal soap. Avoid excess watering and ensure good air circulation around the plants.
3. Harvesting Asparagus
Growing asparagus requires patience. Do not harvest the spears in the first year after planting crowns. Allow the plants to grow and develop strong roots. In the first year, allow all spears to grow into tall, fern-like plants. Harvest lightly in the second year, only for two to three weeks.
Cut spears when they are 6 to 8 inches tall. After the third year, harvest for 6 to 8 weeks in spring, stopping when spears become thin. To harvest, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut spears just above the soil surface.
4. Maintaining an Asparagus Bed
Allow the ferns to grow after harvesting because they store energy for next year’s crop. Cut down yellowed leaves in late fall or early winter and mulch the bed for winter protection. Apply compost or aged manure to refresh the soil every few years.
FAQs
Can asparagus grow in pots or containers?
Asparagus can be grown in large, deep containers at least 18 inches deep and wide, but it prefers garden beds. However, compared to plants grown on open ground, their production will be lower.
Does asparagus need to be replanted every year?
Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows back every year if properly maintained. It does not need replanting unless the bed becomes unproductive after many years.
How long does it take to grow asparagus from crowns?
Asparagus grown from crowns typically produces a harvestable crop in one to two years. Full production is usually reached in the third year after planting.
The Bottom Line
Planting asparagus is a long-term source of fresh produce, but patience is required. It can take a few years to mature fully, but the results can last 10 to 15 years. Selecting a variety suitable for the local soil and climate is crucial. Visit Growcycle to learn more about asparagus and its fruitful crown, which is famous for its flavor and tenderness.
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