Subscribe to this RSS feed. Yes, female plants may not produce as heavily as males, but it's just not that big a deal. Asparagus ferns do best in soil that is rich, light, and slightly acidic. In recent years, many gardeners have planted all-male varieties, such as "Jersey Giant" or "Jersey Prince," instead of old mixed-sex varieties, such as "Martha Washington." Since male plants don’t waste any energy on producing fruit (those little red berries) and seeds, they have stronger root systems. I know I shouldn't harvest until at least 3 years but am wondering if there is anything I should be doing now or in late fall to help them along. I think it is best eaten raw while working in the garden. Anything this tasty and reliable does not come easily though. Asparagus grows best in an open, sunny site, but will tolerate dappled shade. The plants are only about 6 weeks old and they already have impressive root systems. You can give the frozen seeds a try. when they are 5 inches tall do i thin them ? Water the plants weekly, or as needed to keep the soil moist 2 inches beneath the surface. Go with something like Jersey Giant. Thanks, Submitted by Vicki Walters on June 22, 2016 - 9:27am, My daughter planted some asparagus seed this spring and I am not sure what the sprouts should look like. At least they are on they're way. Many gardeners plant about the same time potatoes go in the ground. They are about 12 - 18 inch ferns and falling over. You can get 8-10 stalks or more per crown once the plants are well-established. They look so cute! To extend the season as long as possible, select a variety adapted to your area. Crunchy, succulent and flavorful, asparagus is good for you as well. Peat moss is the partially decomposed remains of several types of mosses that contribute to the right soil condition for your fern. Last spring they popped right up—cute little miniature spears of asparagus that turned into lush green fronds. The third year we can pick only spears that are finger-sized but have to stop when they get to be less than 1/2 inch in diameter. It may take as long as 3 weeks for the asparagus seeds to germinate. Their pretty ferns now with berries that are turning red! When the agave’s asparagus tree flowers, the agave hosts a pollination sex party. Shouldn't I be seeing some kind of growth? Asparagus isn’t a vegetable like spinach, broccoli, or kale that will go yellow when bad. Submitted by Robin Sweetser on April 27, 2016 - 7:38pm. They are indeed only 2 years old, maybe a little less since I started the seeds late. About how many stalks should I expect to come up from one root crown? After that, then it normally takes another 6-8 weeks before it is ready for planting in the field. This year I went to the patch and started I thought was weeding but I'm not sure. The Asparagus plant (Asparagus officinalis), unlike most vegetables, is a perennial that grows for many years. The new all-male varieties produce greater yields because the plants' energy isn't diverted to producing seed, according to Fine Gardening. And is my zone (6) a good place to grow asparagus. Do you have any pictures to share of what a new sprout looks like? After the soil settles, fertilize the plants with an all-purpose balanced fertilizer. Amend the soil with compost to ensure good drainage. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Asparagus has to be my favorite early spring vegetable. If the crowns were healthy and planted correctly you should be seeing some growth any time now. They will grow and produce for a long time if your give them the right start. Imagine my relief when a few weeks later they sent up new fronds and continued to grow until freezing weather set in. Treat your newly divided and transplanted asparagus like a brand new planting. Robin has been a contributor to The Old Farmer’s Almanac and the All-Seasons Garden Guide for many years. However, seeds will add several years to your wait. The composted manure from the cattle ring sounds like it would be perfect fertilizer for the plants. Space them about 6-12 inches apart to give the roots some room to grow. Asparagus is not a plant that exhausts itself with seed production; typically that sort of behavior belongs to annuals. Wild asparagus … Asparagus, folk name sparrow grass, is a flowering plant that is native to most parts of Europe, North Africa and West Asia. However, the spears are harvested for eating when they are 6 to 10 inches (15.2 to 25.4 centimeters) tall, before they start to look like ferns. The good news is that, once started, asparagus can last a generation, so there are big rewards! Submitted by Robin Sweetser on April 6, 2016 - 6:57pm. Thank you. I don't know what asparagus plants look like, I don't understand how to plant asparagus, I don't know what to do with the seeds I had in my freezer? They appeared to have wintered well but are showing no real signs of waking up yet. These plants were pulled out, leaving only male plants. Asparagus beds should be moist, but not soggy. by Ron (Minnesota) I live in Minnesota, it is June 26 and my asparagus has gone to seed or into 5 to 6 foot ferns. I have a 80 acre yard in middle TN. That is normal. Wrong! Submitted by Robin Sweetser on June 1, 2018 - 4:47pm. If they germinate, let them get to a manageable size and transplant them to a nursery bed where you can keep an eye on them. Asparagus plants have spears that can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall! Out of the 70 or so seeds in the package. We added compost to the bottom of the trench and used it to make 4 inch high mounds about 18 inches apart in the trench. Read the asparagus articles on this website or look for your local agricultural extension service website. BONUS: You’ll also receive our Almanac Companion newsletter! This ferny growth collects energy from the sun, which is stored in the roots. We can’t pick any spears this year and maybe only a few next year. If you want to pull them out and replace them with male plants go ahead, but I would never do that. A pH of 6.5-7.5 is ideal, so more acidic soils may need liming. Finding asparagus spears can often be as hard as finding morels. They also are longer lived. I live in the tropics with only wet and dry season. The blackberries are too invasive and will choke them out. Quick Guide to Growing Asparagus. What do I do next with the ferns. It was late summer and I did not think they were still active. You can start your asparagus in a seed flat or in containers at your choice, but be sure to leave plenty of room for root development. 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