Asparagus

[Anna Stox]

Hi folks,

I am after some asparagus advice please! I have previously searched fro an answer, but have never found this particular question.

I planted some very large (kent) asparagus crowns earlier this years. They all now have tall ferny greenery on, but most of them have only had one shoot emerge so far. Is this normal? A couple have started to put up a second, but in both instances the second appears to have 'died off' before progressing beyond just poking its head out of the ground.

Thanks,
Anna

[rustylady]

Are they dry? They need TLC in their first year or two so they establish well.

[Anna Stox]

Thanks. I have been trying to keep them adequately watered, while not overwatering. I think I have been doing ok as while the surface has been dry, an inch below was slightly damp, but not 'wet'. Does anyone know how many fronds I should be expecting from each plant by now?

[rustylady]

Where are they Anna? Open ground, or in a container?

[Anna Stox]

Open ground, each one is sat on a small mound of soil and perlite. My soil drains pretty well any way, but thought a bit of perlite would help make sure they're not sat with damp roots. The fronds that have grown look really healthy (as far as I can tell), just paranoid there should be more by now!

[rustylady]

Don't worry, keep them well watered and weeded. At the end of the year cut the fronds back and mulch the plants with well rotted manure or compost.

[Anna Stox]

Thanks!
~

[Hazel at the Hill]

Interesting question, Anna - I've planted crowns earlier this year too, and hadn't given any thought whatsoever as to how many spears should be growing from each one. Obvious, when you think about it as there will have to be lots of spears from each crown in due course or it will be pretty meagre pickings!

When I was at the Hill on Monday evening, I did notice that one of the crowns has a second spear growing up now (about 4" high), so I will keep my eye out for more.

Not that this helps you, however - but thank you for raising the subject!

[dave_norm_smith]

From what I have read, I believe that they will only throw one or two shoots in year one. Asparagus is definately a long term investment. I also seem to remember that you should only pick one or two in the second year also, year three is when you really start reaping the rewards? I will see if I can find the book at home and confirm that I have not totally made that lot up! lol

[dave_norm_smith]

No its right, I've not started making up wild asparagus stories! To add, only hand weed, do not hoe due to the shallow root system and you will be enjoying them for the next 20 years. When it seems too long away just think about dunking that first lightly steamed stem into the bright yellow of a soft boiled free range egg!

[Jardiniere]

and watch out for asparagus beetle thingy - or is that only here? red things -squidge any you see cos they will turn the lovely fronds into skeletons

[Anna Stox]

Thanks folks. I've been carefully weeding and haven't picked any (I did a lot of research before buying the crowns, and the Kent asparagus send you masses of info on how best to do it), but had never actually come across anything saying how many to expect in the first year! I'm now reassured, so thank you!

Actually, i've just remembered, while I didn't pick any, one had accidently snapped itself off on the very light weight pea net I put over them to keep the cat off while I built a frame - still not sure how it did that! It was about 6 inches long and very tasty (waste not want not!), can't wait till I can pick some next year! Luckly that was early in the season, and a new shoot started off that one fairly quickly.