What To Know
- ” This guide will walk you through the process of planting asparagus, from choosing the right crowns to understanding what to expect in the garden.
- Asparagus takes a few years to establish itself and produce a full harvest.
- In the second year, you might see a few asparagus spears emerge in the spring.
Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed for many years with proper care. But before you can enjoy those flavorful spears, you need to plant them. If you’re a beginner gardener, you might be wondering, “What does asparagus look like when you plant it?” This guide will walk you through the process of planting asparagus, from choosing the right crowns to understanding what to expect in the garden.
Understanding Asparagus Crowns: The Starting Point
Asparagus plants begin their life as crowns, which are essentially the roots of the plant. These crowns are what you’ll buy from a nursery or garden center. When you purchase asparagus crowns, they will typically appear as a cluster of thick, fleshy roots. They don’t have any visible shoots or stems like you might expect from a typical plant.
The Appearance of Asparagus Crowns: What to Look For
When selecting asparagus crowns, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Size: Look for crowns that are firm and have a good amount of root mass. They should be at least 1 inch in diameter and have several strong roots branching out.
- Color: Healthy asparagus crowns should have a light brown or tan color. Avoid any crowns that are discolored or have signs of rot.
- Freshness: The crowns should feel moist, not dry or shriveled.
Planting Asparagus Crowns: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have your asparagus crowns, it’s time to get them in the ground. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting asparagus crowns:
1. Choose a sunny location: Asparagus needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the soil: Asparagus prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Dig a trench: Dig a trench 12-18 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide. The length of the trench will depend on how many crowns you’re planting.
4. Place the crowns: Space the crowns 18-24 inches apart in the trench. Make sure the crown’s root mass is spread out and not bunched up.
5. Cover the crowns: Backfill the trench with soil, leaving about 2-3 inches of the crown exposed.
6. Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted crowns deeply to help them settle in.
What to Expect After Planting: The First Year
After planting, you’ll need to be patient. Asparagus takes a few years to establish itself and produce a full harvest. Here’s what you can expect to see in the first year:
- Spring: You may see some small, fern-like fronds emerging from the soil. These are the plant’s foliage.
- Summer: The fronds will continue to grow and develop.
- Fall: The fronds will turn brown and die back.
The Second Year: A Glimpse of Asparagus Spears
In the second year, you might see a few asparagus spears emerge in the spring. These spears will be smaller and thinner than the spears you’ll harvest in later years. It’s best to let these spears grow and develop the plant’s root system.
The Third Year and Beyond: The Harvest Begins
By the third year, your asparagus plants will be mature enough to produce a full harvest. You’ll start seeing thicker, more substantial spears emerging from the soil in the spring. Harvest spears when they are about 6-8 inches tall and have a pencil-like thickness.
Asparagus Growth: A Year-Round Cycle
Asparagus has a distinct growth cycle, and understanding this cycle will help you care for your plants:
- Spring: Asparagus spears emerge from the ground. This is the harvest season.
- Summer: The fern-like fronds develop and the plant grows vigorously.
- Fall: The fronds turn brown and die back.
- Winter: The plant enters a dormant period.
Asparagus Care: Helping Your Plants Thrive
To ensure a bountiful asparagus harvest, follow these essential care tips:
- Water regularly: Asparagus needs consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize annually: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to provide nutrients for growth.
- Control weeds: Keep the area around your asparagus plants clear of weeds.
- Harvest appropriately: Only harvest spears for a few weeks in the spring. Allow the plants to grow and develop fronds for the rest of the season.
Asparagus Planting: A Rewarding Experience
Planting asparagus may seem like a long-term commitment, but it’s a worthwhile one. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy fresh, delicious asparagus from your own garden for years to come.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I plant asparagus seeds instead of crowns?
A: Yes, you can plant asparagus seeds, but it takes longer for them to establish and produce a harvest (typically 3-4 years). It’s generally easier to plant crowns for quicker results.
Q: How long does asparagus live for?
A: With proper care, asparagus plants can live for 15-20 years or more.
Q: What are the signs of a healthy asparagus plant?
A: Healthy asparagus plants have strong, vibrant green fronds in the summer and produce thick, straight spears in the spring.
Q: What are some common asparagus pests and diseases?
A: Common asparagus pests include asparagus beetles and aphids. Diseases include rust and fusarium wilt.
Q: How can I prevent asparagus from becoming woody?
A: Harvest asparagus spears regularly during the spring harvest season. This encourages the plant to produce tender spears instead of woody stems.
