Will these asparagus grow?

[JimmerG]

More aspargus queries I'm afraid....

I was browsing around my local nursey and they had packs of 3 connovers colossal for sale - down to £1 for a pack.

The cellophane bag contains 3 crowns and handful of soil.

Would these be fine for planting out now? Or is it possible they'd have dried out and died?

[Two_Sheds]

Would these be fine for planting out now? Or is it possible they'd have dried out and died?

Crowns should generally be planted in April - these may well have shrivelled up and died. But then, they only cost a quid - you've not lost much.

Pot them up, and see how they go.

[JimmerG]

So.... if I plant these now, do you think I'll have been able to ascertain whether they're dead or not by the time it comes to normal crown planting time.

Thus allowing me time to dig 'em up and stick in new one's before it gets too late.

[rustylady]

For a quid go for it. I assume you already bought them. Give them a good soak in a bucket of tepid water and plant them individually into pots that will just accommodate the roots. Keep them frost-free over winter (cold greenhouse, porch etc) and see what happens. Or you could plant them out onto the lottie, mark the spot and wait for results. They are hardy plants so they should be OK.

[JimmerG]

A brilliant idea - I was about to embark on mad panicked raised border building process this weekend. But sticking them in pots and seeing what happens is a much better plan. Should I expect somesort of above soil growth before Apri??

[Two_Sheds]

Should I expect somesort of above soil growth before Apri??

not much, I shouldn't think. If they're alive they'll be putting root growth on though

[JimmerG]

OK - Sorry to bang on about this but... in spite of their rough start to life (dried out, stuck in pots in winter, moved to allotment in spring) should these crowns, so long as they live, go on to be as productive as any other? Or is there a chance they'll be permanently stunted?

[Paulottie]

I think you get what you pay for in life (in this case that is last years unsold dessicated stock) and you may as find it quicker to dig a hole and throw the quid in it.

Although, If they do survive, they will take several years to establish and are likely to make a full recovery; is it really worth all the time and effort to find out; or is it too much time and work for a long shot?

Do yourself a favour and order decent crowns from a supplier for spring...and spend some time sorting out their luxurious home so they go in as soon as poss. after arrival.

[Two_Sheds]

you may as find it quicker to dig a hole and throw the quid in it.

don't upset him!

[gojiberry]

I have in the past bought both the shrivelled packs and fresh from supplier and I have not had any problems with either. The shrivelled packs are not to bad at this time of the year as they are usually bagged up at end autumn. Give it a go, and good luck.

Ian