Varieties of Asparagus
Choose a variety of asparagus recommended for
Pennsylvania such as ‘Jersey Knight’, ‘Jersey Giant’, ‘Jersey
Supreme’, or ‘Purple Passion’ from a garden catalogue or local
nursery. The rootstock, called a crown, resembles an
odd-looking beige octopus. Plant one or two year-old asparagus
crowns in a trench 8 inches deep in sandy soil or 6 inches deep
in clay soil, and cover with one inch of soil. Place crowns
with the buds up and the roots spread out evenly in every
direction. Space plants 12 inches apart within each row and
leave 36 inches between rows. Gradually add soil to fill the
trench as the plants grow. In the late fall you should be
finished filling the trenches completely.
If you have planted one year-old crowns, do not
harvest asparagus the year you plant or the following year to
allow strong roots to be established. Harvest for only two
weeks in the third year after planting. During the fourth year,
pick for up to four weeks. In the fifth and future years, you
may pick up to 8 weeks if the planting is vigorous. Stop
harvesting and allow the foliage to grow if spear thickness
declines. In southwestern Pennsylvania, the harvest season runs
from April through early June.
Thick spears vs. Thin spears
Which are better?
Larger spears are more tender than thin ones despite common
opinion. Thin spears are higher in fiber, and therefore,
tougher to eat. Cut or snap off the spears when they are 6-8
inches tall. Spears can be either cut below the soil surface or
snapped off above the soil surface. Snapping the spears will
eliminate having to cut off the lower fibrous portion of each
spear before cooking.
Following the harvest period allow the spears to
continue growing into the mature fern, also called the brush.
This brush is necessary to re-energize the crown for next
season. During the first year of growth, water the planting
when necessary to maintain moisture 8 inches deep. In
subsequent years, a slow, deep watering of two inches of water
every two weeks during dry periods should be sufficient. In
July, you may wish to fertilize based on your soil test and add
a ½-inch-thick layer of compost by applying it on either side of
the asparagus and cultivating lightly. The fern foliage may be
cut down after growth is stopped by frost in late fall. A mulch
of 4-6 inches of straw may be applied at this time to minimize
frost damage from heaving or early emergence of spears in
Companion Plantings for Asparagus
Asparagus is a companion plant for
They are often planted next to one another. The tomato plant
repels the asparagus beetle
while the asparagus repels some
nematodes that affect tomatoes. It is also important to control
weeds and remove debris from around the plants.
be attacked by various insects including cutworms, asparagus
beetles, beet armyworms, aphids and Japanese beetles. It can
also be susceptible to asparagus rust and fusarium root rot.
Problems can be prevented by maintaining healthy soil, providing
adequate water, drainage, and air circulation, and planting
Nutrients from Asparagus
Asparagus is a spring vegetable low in calories,
low in sodium, and it is a good source of vitamins K, A, the B’s
and C, calcium, magnesium, zinc, dietary fiber, and protein.
Asparagus is served around the world as an appetizer, side dish,
in stir fries, in soups and stews, boiled, steamed, and served
with sauces, butter, oil or mayonnaise.
Asparagus flavor and texture are best when
consumed soon after harvesting. Enjoy asparagus within two days
of harvest or purchase. To store, wrap the ends in a damp paper
towel and keep in the refrigerator.
asparagus for winter
Culture and care of Norfolk Island