What is the most productive asparagus?
For highest yields, choose “all-male” varieties. These “all-male” asparagus varieties — including 'Jersey Giant, 'Jersey Supreme' and 'Jersey Knight' — produce up to three times more than older, open-pollinated male/female varieties, such as 'Mary Washington.
What is the sweetest asparagus?
1. Precoce D'Argenteuil: Popular in Europe, this pale green heirloom variety has rosy pink tips. The plant itself can grow up to three feet tall. Sweet to the taste, these asparagus are tender when cooked. 2.
Which is better male or female asparagus?
Yield. Since males do not have to expend valuable energy on berry production, they are often more long-lived, and they are able to put more of their energy into spear production. Among commercial growers of this crop, they are considered more profitable than females because of their higher yields.
How much asparagus should I plant for a family of 4?
Growing white asparagus is a matter of layering soil over the spears so they don't produce chlorophyll; you can do this with any variety. Ten crowns will fit in a 4-by-8-foot bed and are generally enough to supply a family of four.
How many asparagus plants should I plant?
But, if space is not an issue, 10-20 plants per person is a good start. Since asparagus is a perennial crop, site selection is going to be important. It's not uncommon for asparagus plantings to last for 15+ years. It does best in well-drained soils that are in full sun.
Can I plant different types of asparagus together?
Yes, they can be planted in the same bed, just as you can plant different types of tomatoes or squash in the same bed (providing it is of sufficient size). There are not really any issues with cross pollination resulting in hybrids since you are not harvesting or growing new plants from seed.
What can you not plant next to asparagus?
The most important thing to remember is to keep asparagus out of proximity with any alliums. Members of the genus include onions, leeks, shallots, garlic, chives, garlic chives, wild onions, ramps — any plant in the allium category will stunt asparagus growth.
Should I let my asparagus flower?
Ferning out in asparagus is actually a good thing, as it indicates that photosynthesis is being promoted, therefore, nutrition production and absorption increases. During the ferning process, the majority of the energy produced is stored in the roots to facilitate new growth the next year.
Does asparagus need fertilizer?
Asparagus can be fertilized in early spring before the spears emerge. An application of 1 to 1.5 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet should be adequate. Asparagus can also be fertilized after the last harvest in June. Using a nitrogen fertilizer, apply .
What happens if you plant asparagus too close together?
Most asparagus planting instructions are for planting rows, but they indicate that spacing too-close can decrease yields and increase the risk of fungal disease. Four per square foot seems like too many.
What size raised bed for asparagus?
Start with well-draining soil that's about 8 inches below the rim of your bed. That means your raised bed needs to be at least 12 inches high to give the roots room to grow, though I recommend building a bed up to 24 inches high for easy harvesting.
When should you plant asparagus?
Plant asparagus in spring or fall in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Asparagus takes a few seasons to mature but will reap a harvest for 15 to 30 years, so choose a planting location that will go undisturbed for a long time.
Can asparagus be sweet?
Sweet Sautéed Asparagus is the best way to prepare this gorgeous springtime veggie. The low-calorie side dish is sautéed, slightly sweet, and healthy!
Is purple asparagus better than green?
2. Texture: Purple asparagus has a less fibrous texture than green and white asparagus. 3. Nutritional value: Compared to purple asparagus, green asparagus has higher levels of potassium, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
What flavors of asparagus are there?
The Taste of Asparagus Many people compare the taste of this highly versatile vegetable with mushrooms, while others find it resembles broccoli. Baked and enhanced with a bit of lemon juice or olive oil, it tastes rather like beans.
What different kinds of asparagus are there?
So, let's take a look at the each type.Green Asparagus.White Asparagus.Purple Asparagus.Wild Asparagus.Apollo Asparagus.Atlas Asparagus.Jersey Series Asparagus.Precoce D'Argenteuil Asparagus.More items...•