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Asparagus — a delicious perennial vegetable that is a sign of spring in our gardens and on our plates. Growing asparagus can be a bit of a challenge, but the reward is well worth the effort! With patience, proper care, and an understanding of the asparagus growing stages, even beginner gardeners can cultivate these green spears to perfection. This article discusses the asparagus lifecycle, we also provide information about asparagus varieties, growing from seeds and crowns.
Asparagus, as perennial plants, go through three primary growth stages each year or growing season. The spear stage, the fern stage, and dormancy which occurs in the winter.
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Table of contents
Asparagus Growth Stages
While you can plant asparagus from seeds or from crowns the growth cycle repeats each year.
1. Germination
Growing asparagus from seeds is a rewarding process, albeit a longer one. After sowing seeds indoors, and with the right soil temperature, you should see the first signs of growth within two to eight weeks. The tiny seedlings should be kept indoors until they are about 12 inches tall and robust enough to handle outdoor conditions.
Planting Crowns
For those eager for a quicker harvest, planting asparagus crowns is the way to go. To do this, dig trenches about 12-18 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep. Set the crowns with a few inches apart, top them with 2-3 inches of soil, and continue to add soil as the stalks grow, until the trench is filled.
2. Spear Development
The crowns will begin to grow and develop into asparagus spears. It’s very important to avoid picking asparagus spears in years one and two of the plant’s life cycle. During the early years the plants are storing energy and developing the root systems that will carry them through the winter and set the stage for continued growth.
3. Fern Development
As the asparagus shoots grow taller, they start to unfurl into beautiful, fern-like foliage. This is a crucial stage in the asparagus growth stages because these ferns generate energy for the plant to survive the winter and produce spears the following growing season. Never cut these ferns back until they have turned completely brown.
4. Dormancy
When the ferns die back and have turned completely brown cut them at ground level and remove them from the garden to prevent harboring pests and diseases. Cover the area with straw or mulch to protect the roots during the winter months.
Understanding Asparagus
Asparagus is a gardener’s favorite in it is absolutely delicious. But it is not your typical garden vegetable. Why? It takes 2-3 years before you can start harvesting asparagus. Asparagus requires a commitment that many gardeners find challenging. I certainly did.
But on the other hand, if I had started it years ago…I’d be harvesting asparagus every season. So my advice? If you are thinking of planting asparagus? Do it now.
Unlike annual vegetables that sprout, fruit, and die within a single growing season. Asparagus plants dig in for the long haul. Once established, an asparagus bed can continue to produce for 15-20 years or more.
The long term rewards of an established asparagus bed require some patience and sacrifice in the beginning. During the first years the asparagus seedlings or asparagus crowns establish the root system of the plant.
While asparagus plants are frost hardy, the ferns die back and the plants require a period of dormancy. The plants will regrow from the root system in the second year.
Before we dive into the stages of growing asparagus, let’s take a moment to understand asparagus care basics and the best time to start growing asparagus. Whether you’re planting seeds indoors or directly into the ground, the soil temperature should ideally be between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit for best germination. Post-germination, maintain a temperature between 60-70 degrees.
A key part of asparagus care involves diligent pest management, particularly the pesky asparagus beetles. Last but not least, asparagus loves fun sun, well-drained soil, so remember, avoid water logging at all costs, as it can cause crown rot.
Asparagus Growth – Additional Notes
First & Second Year Growth
When you plant asparagus crowns, you are essentially putting a one-year-old plant into the ground. This crown has a central bud surrounded by several fleshy, finger-like roots. During the first year after planting, the crown focuses its energy on establishing a robust and extensive root system instead of producing numerous harvestable spears.
As the asparagus spear emerges from the ground, it rapidly grows into a tall, fern-like plant, reaching heights of 5-6 feet. This growth stage is vital because the asparagus ferns photosynthesize sunlight to create and store energy in the crown. The stored energy ensures the plant’s survival through winter and spear production in the subsequent growing season.
Therefore, harvesting too early, during the first or second year, can severely deplete this energy reserve and weaken the plant. By waiting until the third year to start harvesting, you’re allowing the asparagus plant to develop a strong root system that can support sustained spear production for many years to come.
Understanding these intricate growth stages of asparagus and demonstrating patience during the initial years can lead to decades of asparagus harvests from the same bed. The wait might seem long, but as any seasoned asparagus grower will tell you, the payoff is absolutely worth it!
Time to Harvest
One of the most rewarding stages of growing asparagus is, without a doubt, harvesting time. After 2-3 years from planting, when shoots are about 7-9 inches tall, you can start harvesting. The trick is to cut the spears at or just below the soil surface.
End-of-Season Care
As the growing season winds down, your asparagus bed will need some TLC. Cut down the asparagus ferns only after they have completely browned. Apply a layer of mulch over the bed to protect the crowns during winter and provide nutrients for the following spring.
Growing asparagus is rewarding, both for your palate and for the sense of accomplishment it brings. It requires time, patience, and a keen understanding of the different growth stages. But the joy of watching the tiny seeds or crowns transform into towering asparagus ferns and finally, the delectable spears on your dinner plate is unparalleled. So, if you have a sunny spot in your garden and a green thumb itching for a new challenge, why not plant asparagus? It’s a journey that promises both fun and delicious rewards!
FAQ Asparagus
Asparagus is typically grown in garden beds because its extensive root system needs space to spread and grow. However, if you have limited space, you can grow asparagus in large pots or containers. Keep in mind that growth might be more restricted, and the plant might not live as long or produce as abundantly as it would in the ground.
Asparagus plants need a consistent supply of water, especially during dry periods. A good rule of thumb is to water the plants enough to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, asparagus generally needs about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either from rain or watering.
Asparagus beetles can cause significant damage to your plants if not controlled. Remove them manually if there are just a few or use organic pesticides for more severe infestations. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, which are natural predators of asparagus beetles, can also help.
Asparagus is not typically propagated from cuttings. It’s usually grown from one-year-old crowns or seeds. While it’s theoretically possible to propagate asparagus from cuttings, it’s a more complicated process and less likely to be successful for a beginner gardener.
Asparagus should be fertilized in the early spring before the spears emerge and again after the final harvest. Use a balanced granular or organic fertilizer and follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid over-fertilization. Remember, the goal is to maintain healthy soil with plenty of organic matter for your asparagus to thrive.
Bonus: Asparagus Varieties
There are numerous varieties of asparagus, each with its unique flavor and growing requirements. However, the most common varieties home gardeners choose are ‘Mary Washington‘, ‘Jersey Knight’, and ‘Purple Passion‘. The right variety for your asparagus bed largely depends on your climate, soil, and taste preference.