Favourite Asparagus Variety?

[Carrie G]

It's my first year and things are going very well (say it quietly), but now I am thinking ahead to my permanent Asparagus bed. The catalogues are so tempting and everything sounds good, I don't know which to pick. I'd like to get around 10 crowns and thus it is a pretty big lay out.

Anyone with a favourite variety, I'd love your views. Please help.

[wellie]

Hello Carrie G,

I'll read you what the lovely Sarah Raven recommends in her GARDEN COOKBOOK:
....with a bit of planning you can put in a few plants of several forms, all cropping at slightly different times.
'Connover's Colossal' is the earliest to produce and the most popular choice in Britain. Next in line are 'Franklim', and 'Giijnlim', a new Dutch variety, both mid-season May croppers, which produce lost of spears once they have settled in, with famously good flavour. I also have 'Dariana', a highly recommended French mid-season form that crops in May. My last is an American variety, 'Martha Washington', which produces lots of long spears into early June.

And hopefully, that might give you an idea how it is possible to 'stretch the Asparagus harvesting season'.

Personally, I planted Connover's Colossal, and have been thrilled with it.
But when I move and start a new Asparagus bed, I'll be planting to stretch the season like Sarah.

[MaureenHall]

I've started off a load of Martha Washington from seed. They look good strong sturdy plants and they're now in a permanent asparagus bed. Can't harvest for another couple of years so it'd better be worthwhile

[Paulottie]

I agree with Wellie (of course!) Con. Colossal the cheapest but a reliable and still excellent choice. Good sized spears and great flavour.

I also grow Dutch (My Mum's Dutch so stands to reason)Hybrids, Gijnlym prob the best and earliest, Backlim good tenderness though. They are slightly quicker to establish. Here in Sussex I have been cutting the first spears in late March.

Outlay is minimal really given the long term rewards. The most important thing is to lavish a load of muck on a deeply dug ,well drained and weed free bed. Give them a good start.

[BayViewPlot]

Received the T&M autumn collection through the post and planted this weekend. Comprises of 5 crowns of each;
Ariane
Guelph Millennium
Pacific 2000
Purple Pacific

The Ariane and Guelph Millennium were healthy large specimens whereas the Pacific 2000 and Purple Pacific had 2 good crowns each and the others were piddly little things.

If I'd've known I would've just gone for one or two varieties.

good luck anyhows!

[Carrie G]

Goodness, thanks for all the input, seems everyone has their favourites (as with all things in life). I now have ideas but really, I'm still confused; so many recommedations - I think I'll have to take a leap of faith! But then I can blame you all later, hehehe