SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asparagus officinalis
LIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL TYPE: Fertile, deep, well drained soil
pH RANGE: 6.5 - 6.7
MOISTURE/WATERING: Average
MATURE PLANT SIZE: 6 to 8 inches high
KNOWN PESTS: N/A
KNOWN DISEASES: Rust
OVERVIEW:
Asparagus is a member of the lily family and it is not an easy vegetable to grow. Patience is a virtue with asparagus. It is just about impossible to grow from seed so I would advise you purchase 1-year-old asparagus crowns, which are the roots of the plant. These are planted in a trench with the roots spread out over mounded soil. The trench is gradually filled in as the plants grow.
It takes about four years for asparagus plants to mature enough for harvesting. Prior to that asparagus plants should be allowed to grow and feed themselves.
PROPAGATION / SOWING:
Asparagus is not an easy plant to grow. Plant 1 asparagus per square foot. Move the plant as it matures. Asparagus plants can grow rather large and always remember: plants can't see the border of your garden.
COMPANION PLANTING:
Basil, Calendula, Parsley, Tomato.
CARE & GROWING:
Choose a sunny location with a fertile, deep, well drained soil. Soil pH should be between 6.5-6.7. Asparagus is a heavy feeder and needs regular fertilizing with well rotted manure, compost or a well balanced synthetic fertilizer worked in the top surface of the soil.
HARVESTING:
Asparagus plants from seeds will take 4 years before you can harvest spring spears. In early spring, cut or snap asparagus spears when they are 6-8" high, before the heads separate.
