How To Grow Asparagus
We supply compost block-grown plants that can be put into the ground at any time of year.
Preparation
Asparagus needs well-drained, fertile soil in full sun, and some shelter from winds. On heavier soils asparagus will benefit from being grown in raised beds. Ensure the soil is well dug over and add plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.
Planting Out
Plant out any time of the year, so long as the ground is not frozen. Plant out 9" (23 cm) apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart, or further apart if you wish. Plant the compost block just below the surface of the soil – do not plant more than 1" (2.5 cm) below the surface as this will delay the speed at which your plants grow. See our video on planting compost block-grown asparagus plants for further details.
Cultivation
Keep plants well watered in dry spells. Keep asparagus beds free of weeds. Mulch to avoid soil compaction and bent spears, and to retain moisture
Pests
Slugs and snails can do damage to young spears. Asparagus beetles will eat strip leaves and outer layers of asparagus stems. Where possible search for and remove adult beetles and larvae by hand. Destroy overwintering beetles by clearing away and burning old stems at the end of the season. Also, treat plants with our BioFriend Plant Defence.
Harvesting
Do not cut at all in the first year and do not be too greedy in the second year either.
Harvest asparagus when the shoots are about 6" (15 cm) above ground, and while the tip is tightly closed. Cut at ground level, using either a dinner knife with a sharp tip or a special asparagus knife. See our video on harvesting asparagus for further details. Harvesting can continue for 5-6 weeks. Leave about 15% of the shoots to nourish the root system for the following year.
Cut down the dead 'fern' each autumn and then mulch the bed with a thin layer of well-rotted manure or compost.
Forcing
The cutting season can be advanced by up to three weeks by providing protection using cloches.
3 Results
Asparagus Plant 'Connover's Colossal'
A tried and trusted heritage variety from the 1800's with an excellent flavour. Large and thick spears are produced in abundance. Adaptable and very reliable.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late April / early May
Supplied as compost block grown plants (not bare root crowns).
Asparagus Plant 'Mary Washington'
A delicious heirloom variety of asparagus that produces dark green succulent spears. A tried and trusted variety that will not disappoint!
Available from APPROXIMATELY late April / early May
Supplied as compost block-grown plants (not bare root crowns).
Asparagus Plant 'Pacific Purple'
A fairly new variety of Asparagus from New Zealand. One of the highest yielding purple types. Spears have a very high sugar content. Good resistance to Fusarium.
Available from APPROXIMATELY late April / early May
Supplied as compost block grown plants (not bare root crowns).
