dead asparagus?

[janeyo]

How do I know if they are dead? I sowed asparagus last spring and it had progressed to 2 in a 5inch pot. I didn't cut them back ove the winter, left them to die back. I have about 10 plants.
Now I forgot to close the coldframe, for a *ahem* little while and they got snowed and frosted a lot.
The foliage is obviously very crispy, but not sure if the whole plants are ruined or not?
They were ready to be planted out before xmas pot-wise, are have roots coming out of the bottoms) but I was waiting til spring. The roots aren't crispy (I've taken them out to have a look), they just lookl like roots.

I need to know before I waste good compost and time and effort planting them out! Not sure if as they were young plants they are still ok?

Thanks

[Nicos]

They don't sound dead to me!!

Go for it- there's only one way to find out!!!

[Jardiniere]

not an asparagus expert but if the roots seem fine I would plant them out and see what happens ...mark them clearly as to where you expect them to come up...

[Glutton4...]

My only experience of Asparagus is weeding and harvesting my Dad's bed. Personally, Id say, get 'em in the ground, water and mulch 'em, and cross yer fingers! They should be dormant for a while yet, and I don't suppose they'll suffer from not being cut back.

Like I said, I'm no expert, but it's worth the effort in case it works!

Good luck with 'em!

[Alison]

My asparagus from last years seed was similarily abandonned over winter although mine wasn't even in a cold frame. I rescued it after the snow at the start of the year and put the pots in the unheated greenhouse. Have noticed today that there are new shoots coming up from the base of half of them so have hope for the others too. I haven't cut last years growth back yet and although it's obviously dead there is resistance when I pull it indicating that the whole thing hasn't rotted.

[janeyo]

yes! Mine shows resistance too... hope for them then I think