When to Plant Asparagus in Missouri?
The best time to plant asparagus in Missouri is during the early spring, ideally between late March and early May, after the threat of hard frost has passed. This allows the plants to establish themselves before the heat of summer.
Asparagus: A Missouri Garden Staple
Asparagus, Asparagus officinalis, is a perennial vegetable prized for its tender, succulent spears. Planting it in your Missouri garden offers years of delicious harvests, making it a worthwhile investment of time and effort. Beyond its culinary appeal, asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Its early spring emergence also provides a welcome sign of the gardening season ahead.
Why Spring is the Premier Planting Time
Spring planting allows asparagus crowns to establish strong root systems before facing the challenges of summer heat. The cooler soil temperatures and increased moisture during this period promote healthy growth and reduce stress on the young plants. Planting in the fall is possible in some regions, but it presents a higher risk of winter damage, especially in Missouri’s variable climate.
Preparing the Soil for Asparagus Crowns
Proper soil preparation is crucial for successful asparagus cultivation. Asparagus thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. This will help you identify any deficiencies and amend the soil accordingly.
- Amending the Soil: Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve drainage, fertility, and water retention. This will help the plants thrive and produce abundant spears.
- Removing Weeds: Eliminate all weeds from the planting area, as they can compete with asparagus for nutrients and water. Consider using herbicides or hand-weeding to clear the ground thoroughly.
- Creating Trenches: Dig trenches that are 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide. Space the trenches 4-5 feet apart. This allows sufficient room for the asparagus plants to expand and mature.
Planting Asparagus Crowns: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planting asparagus crowns is a relatively straightforward process, but following these steps will ensure optimal success:
- Soak the Crowns: Soak the asparagus crowns in water for 30 minutes to an hour before planting. This helps rehydrate the roots and promotes faster establishment.
- Position the Crowns: Place the crowns in the trenches, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Spread the roots out evenly in all directions.
- Cover the Crowns: Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil. As the asparagus grows, gradually fill in the trench until it is level with the surrounding soil.
- Water Thoroughly: Water the newly planted crowns thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root growth.
- Mulch the Area: Apply a layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Common Asparagus Planting Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding these common errors can significantly improve your asparagus-growing success:
- Planting Too Deep or Too Shallow: Planting too deep can suffocate the crowns, while planting too shallow can expose them to frost damage. Aim for the recommended depth of 6-8 inches.
- Neglecting Soil Preparation: Poor soil preparation can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields. Ensure the soil is well-drained, fertile, and amended with organic matter.
- Overwatering or Underwatering: Both overwatering and underwatering can stress asparagus plants. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Harvesting Too Early: Resist the urge to harvest spears during the first year or two after planting. This allows the plants to establish strong root systems and produce more spears in subsequent years.
Asparagus Varieties Suited for Missouri
Choosing the right asparagus variety for your Missouri garden is important for optimal growth and yield. Some popular and well-suited varieties include:
- Jersey Knight: A highly productive male hybrid variety known for its disease resistance and high yields.
- Jersey Giant: Another popular male hybrid that produces large, thick spears.
- Purple Passion: A unique variety with purple spears that turn green when cooked. It has a sweeter flavor than green varieties.
- Millennium: Known for its early production and disease resistance.
| Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Jersey Knight | High yield, disease resistant |
| Jersey Giant | Large spears |
| Purple Passion | Purple spears, sweet flavor |
| Millennium | Early production, disease resistant |
Asparagus Care After Planting
Regular care is essential for maintaining a healthy and productive asparagus patch. This includes:
- Watering: Water deeply during dry periods, especially during the first year.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
- Weeding: Control weeds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Mulching: Maintain a layer of mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Cutting Back: In the fall, after the foliage has turned brown, cut back the ferns to ground level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I plant asparagus too late in the spring?
Planting asparagus too late in the spring (e.g., mid-to-late May) can result in reduced establishment due to the onset of warmer temperatures and potential drought conditions. The crowns may struggle to develop a strong root system before the heat of summer stresses the plants. While they may still survive, their long-term productivity could be compromised.
Can I plant asparagus from seed in Missouri?
Yes, you can plant asparagus from seed, but it’s a more time-consuming process than planting crowns. It will take at least three years before you can harvest spears from seed-grown plants, whereas crowns can be harvested in the second or third year. Seed-starting requires indoor cultivation several weeks before the last frost.
How do I know if my asparagus crowns are healthy?
Healthy asparagus crowns should be firm, plump, and have a well-developed root system. Avoid crowns that are shriveled, dried out, or show signs of mold or disease. The roots should be flexible and not brittle.
What kind of fertilizer should I use for asparagus?
A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, is suitable for asparagus. Alternatively, you can use compost or well-rotted manure as a natural fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of spear production.
How long does it take for asparagus to produce spears?
It typically takes two to three years after planting crowns before you can harvest asparagus spears. In the first year, allow the plants to establish themselves by not harvesting any spears. In the second year, you can harvest sparingly for a few weeks. By the third year, you can harvest for a full 6-8 week season.
How do I harvest asparagus?
Harvest asparagus spears when they are 6-8 inches tall and about as thick as your finger. Snap or cut the spears off at ground level. Avoid cutting too close to the crown, as this can damage it.
How long will an asparagus patch last?
With proper care, an asparagus patch can last for 15-20 years or even longer. Regular maintenance, including watering, fertilizing, weeding, and mulching, is essential for prolonging the life of your asparagus bed.
What are some common pests and diseases that affect asparagus?
Common pests of asparagus include asparagus beetles and aphids. Common diseases include rust and Fusarium crown and root rot. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action to control them.
Can I grow asparagus in raised beds?
Yes, asparagus can be successfully grown in raised beds, as long as the beds are deep enough (at least 12 inches) to accommodate the root system. Raised beds offer good drainage and soil control, which can benefit asparagus growth. Make sure the soil composition is appropriate as outlined above.
How often should I water asparagus?
Water asparagus deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions and soil type. During dry periods, water more frequently, especially during the first year after planting. Monitor the soil moisture regularly to determine when watering is needed.
What should I do with asparagus ferns in the fall?
In the fall, after the asparagus ferns have turned brown and died back, cut them to ground level. This helps to remove any potential disease spores or overwintering pests. You can compost the ferns or use them as mulch.
Is asparagus a good companion plant for other vegetables?
Asparagus can be a good companion plant for tomatoes, basil, and parsley. These plants can help deter pests and diseases that affect asparagus. Avoid planting asparagus near onions, garlic, or other alliums, as they can compete for nutrients and water.