Asparagus From Seed

[Rhona]

I'm sure I saw another thread on this, but darned if I can find it, so apologies if you have to repeat yourselves!

I've just read in my marvellous RHS book that F1 asparagus from seed can actually result in a productive bed faster than from crowns. Now, we're not in a massive hurry - know it's going to be a couple of years anyway before we can cut any - but anyone have any experience of this?

Given the vast difference in cost, it might be worth a go, but don't mind buying the crowns if we have to. Surprising to read, that's all!

[greendean]

i found this website on anther thread about asparagus

Grow your own Asparagus

i bought some asparagus crowns from ebay 20 for £6.95 delivered
although they need bringing on i stole a march on seed growing them!
but growning from seed sounds like a good investment

[MaureenHall]

My asparagus bed is all started from seed. I sowed Martha Washington and got really good germination and growth in the first year. I'm hoping that the bad weather hasn't killed it all off (I don't think it will have) and I'm looking forward to next year (2010) when I can start to take a spear from each crown

[Paulottie]

I did my first bed from crowns and saved seed after a few years. Very easy. They were planted from pots in their second summer (left longer to weed out the girlies before planting) and I shall see where we are this (3rd) year and taste a few and expect a moderate harvest yr 4...they are not f1 obviously...but free!...not sure you could do it quicker from f1 seed.

With quality Dutch f1 crowns (85p each on 50) I took a few the second year and a four week harvest third year....and for the last few years loads yummy fat spears till midsummer's day....Its a year quicker really....so for OP varieties where they are supposed to be a year longer about equal time?

Mind you.... lavishing lots of muck and attention on them at the start helps get them going.

[Two_Sheds]

Hi Rhona, I found 107 asparagus threads in a Search ... the one you mention must be there somewhere: Grow Your Own - Asparagus threads

[Paulottie]

True, but then I've read or posted in them all!....I don't think any compared times till harvest from crown against seed.....that was the question wasn't it?

My advice would be to buy a dozen crowns and then sow a few dozen from seed....best of both worlds.

[Alison]

On the basis that I'm trying to restrict how much I spend on the plot and I'm nowhere near getting an asparagus bed sorted, I'm sowing some seeds in pots at home next month which will be grown on at home before being taken up to the plot next year to be put into their permanent home. Am not expecting any actual spears to eat for another couple of years after that.

[dominic10]

This site is excellent - followed the thread as I am going to have a go growing asparagus from seed!

[hypnophil]

I have some asparagus seed, when should i sow it? and will it be able to go in the ground this year.

[Alison]

I sowed mine at the start of the year. The instructions I had were to pot it on to about 5" pots this year but keep it in pots and then plant it out next year into it's final position. You then can't eat anything off them for about another 2 or 3 years which will be a long wait! But hopefully worth it...

[Paulottie]

Normally sow in April but fine to sow now, especially if you are doing it in pots for planting in year two.