Asparagus, commonly known as Garden Asparagus and Sparrow Grass, is a historical vegetable plant from the family Asparagaceae. It first appeared in the eastern Mediterranean and southern Asian regions. Asparagus is cultivated for its unique, mild flavor and is well-known for its juicy, soft spears. It can also be used as a kitchen item in many ways.
An asparagus crown is a mature root system of the asparagus plant, usually one or two years old. It consists of a central rhizome from which multiple roots and buds emerge. When planted in soil, these crowns develop into complete asparagus plants. Growing asparagus from crowns is preferred over starting from seeds because it shortens the time before harvest.
Growcycle offers a guide for new gardeners on cultivating asparagus crowns. It helps both new and experienced gardeners grow asparagus and enjoy its flavor.
Types of Asparagus
These three varieties of asparagus are versatile and nutritious additions to meals. They have distinct flavors and culinary uses.
Green Asparagus
Green asparagus is mainly found in stores and gardens. Its bright green color comes from photosynthesis as it grows in the sun. The stalks are firm yet tender, making them great for a variety of recipes.
Green asparagus needs full sun to stay healthy. It prefers well-drained soil mixed with organic matter. As a perennial plant, green asparagus can produce spears every spring for years after it is established.
Green asparagus is versatile in the kitchen. Its flavor deepens when cooked with oil, salt, and pepper. Light steaming keeps the spears crisp and vibrant. Lightly cooked or raw, green asparagus adds a nice crunch to a dish.
White Asparagus
White asparagus is especially popular in many parts of Europe. It is grown underground or under a layer of soil to protect it from exposure to sunlight. Because it cannot produce chlorophyll in the absence of sunlight, its flavor and texture are lighter and more delicate.
Asparagus is covered with soil as it grows. This method, known as blanching, stops chlorophyll from forming. Growing white asparagus is more time-consuming, but the unique taste makes it popular among many cooks.
The milder taste of white asparagus makes it a favorite in specific recipes. It is often served with classic sauces, such as hollandaise. Its softness makes white asparagus perfect for blending into smooth, subtly flavored soups. Thin slices of cooked white asparagus can add a gentle flavor to salads.
Purple Asparagus
Purple asparagus is perfect with its rich color and slightly sweet taste. This color comes from natural pigments called anthocyanins, which also add extra antioxidants. The texture is usually more tender compared to the green and white varieties.
Purple asparagus requires similar growing conditions to green asparagus. Its naturally sweeter taste and softer texture are distinct, making it a popular choice for adding variety to dishes.
Purple asparagus can be enjoyed in many ways. Its tender quality suits salads and raw vegetable platters. Steaming or sautéing quickly helps maintain its sweet flavor and vibrant color. Chefs often pair it with creamy cheeses, citrus, or berries to highlight its unique taste and appearance.
Growing and Caring for Asparagus
Here is a complete guide about growing and caring for asparagus:
1. Choose the Right Location
Choosing the correct location for the asparagus bed is essential. The plants thrive in full sun, so select an area that receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation is also crucial in helping to prevent diseases.
As mature asparagus plants spread quickly, choose an area with plenty of space, such as a raised bed or a dedicated garden plot that can be easily watered and accessed for harvesting.
2. Soil Preparation
Asparagus prefers neutral or alkaline conditions, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, so prepare the soil carefully. A soil test is preferable before planting. After checking the pH, add organic matter, such as compost or farmyard manure.
This improves the soil’s texture, provides vital nutrients, and helps ensure proper drainage. If the soil holds too much moisture, consider using raised beds or mixing in sand to improve drainage.
3. Plantation
Plant asparagus crowns in the early spring when the soil has warmed up and there is no longer a chance of freezing. Dig a hole 8 to 12 inches deep vertically; in colder climates, a deeper hole can help protect the crowns from frost.
Keep the area between rows about 18 to 24 inches, and plant the individual crowns 12 to 18 inches apart within the row. When positioning the crowns in the trench, ensure that all the buds face upward so that emerging shoots can easily receive sunlight and grow evenly.
Initially, cover the crowns with 2 to 3 inches of soil. As the young shoots begin to grow, gradually fill in the rest of the trench with more soil. This slow process shields the soft roots, allowing the plants to adapt to their new surroundings. Water the area well after planting to eliminate air bubbles and settle the soil around the roots.
4. Irrigation Schedule
Maintaining a consistent watering schedule is critical during the first growing season. Keep the pot moist but not saturated, as excessive dryness and overwatering can harm the plants. Install a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the root zone in more extensive asparagus beds or areas prone to drought.
Mulching is another vital care practice. A thick layer of organic mulch—such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips—around the base of the plants helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress herb growth. Refresh the mulch layer each spring or after heavy rains to keep these benefits intact.
5. Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for supporting the vigorous growth of asparagus plants. To improve the plants, apply a balanced, organic fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
Excessive nitrogen is best avoided as this can lead to abundant leaves at the expense of strong roots and spears. In some cases, a light mid-season fertilizer application can help sustain rapid growth, particularly during periods of active spear production.
6. Pest and Disease Management
Even with careful soil preparation and regular care, pests and diseases can occasionally become a challenge. Asparagus is generally a resilient plant, but it may attract aphids and other insects. If insect infestations exist, treat them with insecticidal soap or add beneficial insects like ladybugs to control their numbers.
Slugs and snails can also damage emerging shoots. Hand-picking or placing copper tape barriers around the bed can help reduce their impact. To minimize the risk of fungal diseases, water plants at the base rather than overhead and ensure they receive adequate air circulation.
FAQs
Can asparagus grow in pots or containers?
Asparagus can be grown in large, deep containers at least 18 inches deep and wide, but it prefers garden beds. However, its production will be lower than that of plants grown on open ground.
Does asparagus need to be replanted every year?
Asparagus is a perennial plant that grows back every year if properly maintained. It does not need replanting unless the bed becomes unproductive after many years.
How long does it take to grow asparagus from crowns?
Asparagus grown from crowns produces a harvestable crop in one to two years. Full production is usually reached in the third year after planting.
The Bottom Line
Planting asparagus is a long-term source of fresh produce, but patience is required. It can take a few years to mature fully, but the results can last 10 to 15 years. Selecting a variety suitable for the local soil and climate is crucial.
Visit Growcycle to learn more about asparagus and its fruitful crown, which is famous for its flavor and tenderness.
