Where to Buy Asparagus Roots?

Where to Buy Asparagus Roots: Planting for Years of Delicious Harvests

The best places to buy asparagus roots include online retailers specializing in bare-root plants, reputable local nurseries, and occasionally, large garden centers. These sources offer varying selections and quality, so careful research is essential.

Why Grow Asparagus From Roots?

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, meaning it comes back year after year. Starting with asparagus roots, or crowns, rather than seeds, offers several advantages. It provides a significant head start, typically yielding harvests a year sooner than starting from seed. Asparagus roots also tend to be more robust and disease-resistant, resulting in a healthier and more productive plant.

Understanding Asparagus Crowns

An asparagus crown consists of a cluster of roots emanating from a central point, where the spears (the edible part of the plant) will emerge. Crowns are typically classified by age:

• One-year-old crowns: These are the most common and affordable option, establishing readily.
• Two-year-old crowns: These are more mature and may yield harvests sooner, but are also more susceptible to transplant shock.
• Three-year-old crowns: These are rare, expensive, and not generally recommended, as transplanting can be very stressful for the plant at this age.

Choosing one-year-old crowns is generally the best approach for most home gardeners.

Finding Reputable Sources

Securing high-quality asparagus roots is crucial for long-term success. Here are the primary options:

• Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in bare-root plants, including asparagus. These offer a wide selection of varieties and often ship directly to your door. Look for companies with strong reputations, positive reviews, and guarantees on their plants. Be sure to order during the appropriate planting season for your region. Examples include:
  • Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Co.
  • Burpee
  • Johnny’s Selected Seeds
• Local Nurseries: Local nurseries are an excellent source for asparagus roots, as you can inspect the crowns before purchasing them. They can also provide valuable advice on growing conditions and recommended varieties for your specific area.
• Large Garden Centers: While convenient, large garden centers may not always offer the best quality or selection of asparagus roots. Carefully inspect the crowns for signs of damage, dryness, or disease before purchasing.

Choosing the Right Variety

Asparagus varieties differ in terms of their disease resistance, yield, and spear characteristics. Popular varieties include:

• Jersey Knight: An all-male hybrid known for its high yield and resistance to Fusarium wilt.
• Jersey Giant: Another all-male hybrid with large, thick spears and good disease resistance.
• Purple Passion: A unique variety with purple spears that turn green when cooked. It has a sweeter flavor than green asparagus.
• Mary Washington: An older, heirloom variety that is still popular for its flavor and reliability.

Consider your climate and soil conditions when selecting a variety. Local nurseries can offer tailored recommendations.

Planting Asparagus Roots: A Step-by-Step Guide

Proper planting is essential for establishing a healthy asparagus bed.

1. Prepare the Bed: Asparagus requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
2. Dig a Trench: Dig trenches that are 6-8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Space trenches 4-5 feet apart.
3. Mound the Soil: Create a small mound of soil in the center of each trench.
4. Place the Crowns: Place the asparagus crowns on the mounds, spreading the roots out evenly.
5. Cover with Soil: Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil. Water thoroughly.
6. Gradually Fill the Trench: As the asparagus spears emerge, gradually fill the trench with soil until it is level with the surrounding ground.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting too shallow or too deep: Planting at the correct depth is critical. Too shallow, and the roots can dry out; too deep, and the spears may struggle to emerge.
• Poor soil preparation: Asparagus needs well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Amending the soil before planting is essential.
• Overwatering or underwatering: Asparagus needs consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Harvesting too early: Resist the urge to harvest asparagus spears in the first year or two. Allow the plants to establish a strong root system.
• Neglecting weed control: Weeds can compete with asparagus for nutrients and water. Keep the bed weed-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#### When is the best time to plant asparagus roots?

*The *best time to plant asparagus roots* is typically in the spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. In warmer climates, fall planting is also possible.* This allows the roots to establish themselves before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

#### How many asparagus roots should I plant?

*A good rule of thumb is to plant *5-10 asparagus roots* per person. This will provide a sufficient amount of asparagus for personal consumption throughout the harvest season.* Consider planting different varieties for a longer harvest period.

#### How long does it take for asparagus to start producing?

*You should not harvest asparagus in the *first year* after planting. In the second year, you can harvest lightly, for 2-3 weeks. By the third year, you can harvest for a full 6-8 weeks.* Allowing the plants to establish a strong root system is crucial for long-term productivity.

#### What are the signs of healthy asparagus roots?

*Healthy asparagus roots should be *firm and plump, with no signs of dryness, mold, or rot. The roots should also be a healthy color, typically brown or reddish-brown. Avoid purchasing roots that are shriveled, mushy, or discolored.

#### Can I grow asparagus in containers?

*Yes, you can grow asparagus in containers, but it requires a *large container (at least 18 inches in diameter)* and well-drained potting mix. Container-grown asparagus may not be as productive as those grown in the ground.

#### What kind of soil does asparagus need?

*Asparagus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The *ideal pH is between 6.5 and 7.5.* Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.

#### How much sun does asparagus need?

*Asparagus needs at least *6-8 hours of sunlight* per day. Choose a planting location that receives full sun for optimal growth.

#### How do I fertilize asparagus?

Fertilize asparagus in the spring, after the harvest season, with a balanced fertilizer. You can also apply compost or aged manure to the bed. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of spear production.

#### How do I control weeds in my asparagus bed?

Mulch is an excellent way to suppress weeds in your asparagus bed. You can use organic mulches such as straw, wood chips, or compost. Hand-weeding is also necessary. Avoid using herbicides near asparagus plants, as they can be harmful.

#### What are some common asparagus pests and diseases?

Common asparagus pests include asparagus beetles and cutworms. Common diseases include Fusarium wilt and crown rot. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases, and take appropriate action to control them.

#### How do I harvest asparagus?

To harvest asparagus, snap the spears off at ground level when they are about 6-8 inches tall. Avoid cutting the spears, as this can damage the crown. Harvest spears regularly throughout the harvest season to encourage continued production.

#### Can I divide asparagus plants?

*Dividing asparagus plants is not generally recommended, as it can damage the root system. It’s *best to start with new crowns* when establishing a new asparagus bed.

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