Not only is it easy to grow and maintain but it’s a perennial crop as well. You can set yourself up for many years of future harvests with one year of planting. A single planting of asparagus crowns can produce for 20 years or more.
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How long does asparagus take to grow?
As soon as the ground can be worked, asparagus can be grown from crowns that were planted in January or February. Crowns can be grown from seeds planted in flats or cups. It takes at least a year to grow a good crop.
The best time to plant is in late spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and the soil is moist, but not soggy. If you plant in the fall, you’ll have to wait until spring to reap the benefits of the new growth.
Does asparagus spread once planted?
If you want to grow asparagus, you’ll need to designate a place in the vegetable garden or build a separate bed. They won’t spread out much the first couple of years, but once established they will quickly fill in with new growth.
If you don’t have space for a bed, try planting the roots in a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom. This will help keep the soil moist and prevent root rot.
How do you grow asparagus step by step?
To plant asparagus crowns, dig trenches 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep down the center of the prepared bed. The crowns should be soaked in compost tea for 20 minutes before planting.
Place the crowns in trenches 112 to 2 feet apart and top them with 2 to 3 inches of soil. Cover the soil with a layer of mulch to keep weeds from growing. Water the beds once a week during the growing season to prevent root rot.
Does asparagus come back every year?
In the springtime, asparagus is one of the first plants we see. The tender spears will return year after year once it gets established. Its ferny foliage is an excellent addition to the garden. It’s easy to grow as an annual, but if you want to plant it in the spring, you’ll need to prune it back to a manageable size.
The best way to do this is to cut off the top 1/2 inch or so of each stem. This will keep the plant from getting too big, and it will also make it easier for you to dig it up when it’s time to harvest.
What is the best fertilizer for asparagus?
The best fertilizer for asparagus will feature a balanced formula that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 blend. During the first few weeks of the growing season, applyfertilizer instead of applying it after the final harvest in late spring or early summer.
Fertilizer should be applied at the same time of year as the crop is being harvested. If you are using a commercial fertilizer, you should apply it at least one week before harvesting to ensure that the fertilizer is fully absorbed into the soil.
Does asparagus regrow after cutting?
Perennial plants will come back year after year. Evidence that a plant does regrowth is the fact that it lasts 20 years. The answer depends on the type of plant you are growing. For example, if you have a perennial plant, you can expect it to take 10 to 15 years to reach its full size. If you grow an annual plant (such as an apple tree), it can take 20 to 30 years.
What do I do with asparagus the first year?
Don’t harvest during the first year. The crown can become well established if the plants are allowed to grow. Don’t let your asparagus get too big, because you can start lightly harvesting it during the second year. You’ll need to wait until the third year to harvest. If you wait too long, the plant will die and you’ll have to start all over again.
