Asparagus – Mary Washington

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

• sowing depth: 1 cm (sow at 2 cm for direct seeding)
• optimal temperatures for germination: 21 to 29 ºC
• time for germination: 14 to 21 days
• soak seeds for 2 to 24 hours in warm water at room temperature to accelerate germination

When to sow:

• Indoor sowing 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date in your area OR
• direct seeding when the soil can be worked in the spring or early fall

Sowing technique: in line

Draw a line in the ground (in a pot or in the ground), then sow the seeds in it.

Transplant outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

• when the soil can be worked

Distance in the garden the 1st year:

• between plants: 15 to 30 cm
• between rows: 45 cm

Distance in the garden the 2nd year:

• between plants: 45 to 60 cm
• between rows: 90 cm

Plant height: 100 to 150 cm

Soil: deep, loose, well drained and rich

Exposure: full sun or light shade

Days to harvest: from the 3rd year

Specificities:

• Do not harvest the shoots before the 3rd year allows the plant to become well established. After the 3rd spring, cut the shoots daily when they reach 15-20 cm with a knife until they are thinner and thinner; they are then left in place until the next year to give energy to the plant.
• Asparagus likes phosphorus-rich soils, places sheltered from high winds and where snow accumulates. Cut back dead stems in the spring. Add compost annually.
• Mulch to avoid weeding and drought (optional)