Asparagus officinalis L
Cultivation
It can be grown from seeds and transplanted when the roots overgrow their space. Hybrids germinate better, but they don’t have seeds and can only be purchased like seedlings. Don’t cut off shoots in the first two years to strengthen the plant.
Distance between plants
At least 2 m (6.5 ft) between the rows and at least 50 cm (20 in) between the plants in a row.
Location
Sunny.
Amount
5 to 10 plants per person.
Time of planting
Buy and plant the seedlings in April. Sow the seeds in early spring and transplant the seedlings to the garden the following spring, when the soil temperature is at least 10 °C (50 °F). The seeds germinate in about 4 weeks.
Fertilization
Before transplanting, fertilize the soil with barn manure. Cover with straw and home compost in fall. Water the plants a few times with nettle brew in summer.
Watering
Needed only in the first year after transplanting. However, after consequent years of drought the yield is lower, and it’s better to water occasionally.
Asparagu’s good neighbors
Beans, peas, broad beans, kohlrabi, peppers, tomato, parsley, basil, lamb’s lettuce, spinach, tagetes, Indian cress.
Asparagu’s bad neighbors
Mint, onion, garlic, shallot.
Diseases and pests
Asparagus miner, asparagus rust. Grow tomatoes beside the asparagus in the first year to drive away the pests. Strengthen the plant with algae solutions. In the appearance of rust, use horsetail solutions.
Asparagu’s storage
Tear off young shoots in the morning during spring. Fresh are best and should be picked regularly when needed and cooled in water. Store in the fridge for a short time, wrapped in a moist cloth or in a glass with a little water, like bouquets. You can pickle them in vinegar or salt as well. Asparagus shoots grow for 2 to 4 weeks when the plant is young, and up to 12 weeks with adult plant. Leave at least six shoots per plant for summer growth.
Food
Use young spring shoots. They contain vitamins C, E and B-complex, asparagines, essential oils and tin, molybdenum and silicon. They are good for the kidneys and liver, and clear the whole body.
Important
It is a perennial and the soil has to be cleared of any weeds and tilled deeply before planting, as asparagus has very deep roots. Its root system doesn’t develop in a circle, but left and right. Plant accordingly, so the roots don’t grow to the space between the rows to avoid harming them. In fall, cover the growing site with straw and compost, and uncover in spring.
Miscellaneous
It is a perennial, originating in Asia Minor and the Middle East. It is also called garden asparagus. Some methods include covering and whitening the shoots, which is more demanding and the plant has less beneficial substances.