Asparagus
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- Vegetables and herbs
Taking three to five years to mature, homegrown asparagus is worth the wait for those delicious, tender spears doused in melted butter. As a perennial plant, it can continue producing for 15 years.
| Growing calendar | |
|---|---|
| Plant out | Mar-mid Apr |
| Harvest | End Apr - mid Jun |
How to grow asparagus
Plant one-year old asparagus crowns 30cm apart, spreading roots over a 10cm high ridge in a 20cm deep trench. Half fill with soil and backfill the rest as plants grow.
Plant in well-drained soil, and water until established. Cut stems to 2.5cm when leaves yellow in autumn.
How to harvest asparagus
Harvest asparagus from second year. Cut 15.20cm high spears just below the soil surface for eight weeks, then let shoots grow.
Tips for growing asparagus
Asparagus spears can be damaged by wind so choose a sheltered site, stake, or plant natural wind breaks nearby. Remove any weeds that appear amongst the plants by hand as the plants are shallow rooted and likely to be disturbed by hoeing.
| Growing notes | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Asparagus officinalis |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Germination time | 7-21 days |
| Average time to harvest | 24 months |
| Equipment needed | Stakes, twine |
| Average plant size | 120cm tall, 30cm wide |
| Key nutritional content | Folate, vitamin C |