Where to Order Asparagus Crowns?
**Asparagus crowns can be ordered from a variety of sources including *reputable online nurseries*, *local garden centers*, and *specialized seed suppliers*. It is crucial to choose a supplier known for providing *healthy and disease-free crowns* to ensure a successful asparagus harvest.**
Why Grow Asparagus?
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, meaning that once planted, it will provide a harvest for many years – often 15 to 20, or even longer. Imagine enjoying fresh, tender asparagus spears straight from your garden year after year! Beyond the longevity, asparagus offers a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also a relatively low-maintenance crop once established. Choosing to grow your own allows you to control the growing conditions and ensure the asparagus is free from harmful pesticides.
The Importance of Quality Crowns
The success of your asparagus patch heavily relies on the quality of the crowns you plant. A healthy crown will have plump, firm roots and a well-defined bud cluster. Avoid crowns that appear dried out, moldy, or damaged. Purchasing from reputable suppliers is essential because they prioritize quality control and often offer guarantees on their products. A weak or diseased crown will struggle to establish itself, leading to poor yields and potential problems with pests and diseases in the long run.
Where to Find Asparagus Crowns
Here’s a breakdown of where you can source your asparagus crowns:
- Online Nurseries: Many online nurseries specialize in vegetable starts and offer a wide variety of asparagus varieties. They often ship directly to your door. Some popular options include Burpee, Gurney’s, and Stark Bro’s. Read reviews carefully before ordering.
- Local Garden Centers: Your local garden center is a great place to find asparagus crowns, especially during the spring planting season. The advantage is that you can physically inspect the crowns before purchasing. Support local businesses and get expert advice from knowledgeable staff.
- Specialized Seed Suppliers: Some companies specialize in selling seeds and vegetable starts, including asparagus crowns. These suppliers often have a wider selection of varieties and may offer organically grown options. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is an example of a supplier with a diverse selection of heirloom seeds and starts.
- Farmers Markets: While less common, some farmers markets may offer asparagus crowns from local growers. This is a great way to support local agriculture and ensure the crowns are well-suited to your region’s climate.
Choosing the Right Asparagus Variety
Consider the climate and soil conditions in your area when choosing an asparagus variety. Some popular and readily available varieties include:
- Jersey Knight: A very popular and high-yielding male variety known for its disease resistance and early harvests.
- Jersey Giant: Another male variety, similar to Jersey Knight, but often produces larger spears.
- Purple Passion: A unique variety with purple spears that turn green when cooked. It offers a sweeter flavor than green varieties.
- Mary Washington: An older variety, but still widely grown and known for its hardiness.
Consider your regional climate and growing conditions when selecting a variety. Your local extension office can provide valuable recommendations.
Planting Asparagus Crowns: A Step-by-Step Guide
Planting asparagus crowns requires careful preparation to ensure a successful and long-lasting harvest.
- Prepare the soil: Asparagus prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Dig trenches: Dig trenches that are 6-8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Space the trenches 4-5 feet apart.
- Place the crowns: Position the asparagus crowns in the trench, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Ensure the buds are facing upwards.
- Cover the crowns: Gently cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil. As the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench with soil.
- Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted crowns thoroughly to help them establish.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too shallow: This can lead to the crowns drying out.
- Planting in poorly drained soil: Asparagus roots are susceptible to rot in soggy conditions.
- Harvesting too early: Allow the plants to establish for at least two years before harvesting spears.
- Over-harvesting: Avoid harvesting all the spears in a season, as this can weaken the plants.
- Neglecting weed control: Weeds can compete with asparagus for nutrients and water.
Tips for a Bountiful Harvest
- Fertilize annually: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to provide the plants with the nutrients they need.
- Water regularly: Asparagus needs consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
- Control weeds: Regularly remove weeds from around the plants.
- Apply mulch: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Allow ferns to mature: In late summer, allow the asparagus ferns to grow and mature. These ferns will nourish the crowns for the following season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many asparagus crowns should I plant?
The number of crowns you plant depends on how much asparagus you want to harvest. A general rule of thumb is to plant 5-10 crowns per person. Consider your available space and eating habits when deciding how many to plant. Remember, asparagus takes a few years to establish before you can harvest it, so plan accordingly.
What is the best time to plant asparagus crowns?
The best time to plant asparagus crowns is in the early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. In colder climates, you may need to wait until after the last frost. Fall planting is also possible in warmer climates.
How long does it take for asparagus to mature?
Asparagus typically takes 2-3 years to mature before you can begin harvesting spears. During the first two years, allow the plants to establish a strong root system. Harvesting too early can weaken the plants and reduce future yields.
What are the signs of a healthy asparagus crown?
A healthy asparagus crown will have plump, firm roots and a well-defined bud cluster. The roots should be cream-colored or light brown. Avoid crowns that appear dried out, moldy, or damaged.
Can I grow asparagus in containers?
Yes, asparagus can be grown in containers, but it requires a large container (at least 18 inches in diameter and depth) to accommodate the extensive root system. Choose a well-draining potting mix and provide regular watering and fertilization.
What type of soil is best for asparagus?
Asparagus prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage.
How often should I water asparagus?
Asparagus needs consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.
What are some common asparagus pests and diseases?
Common asparagus pests include asparagus beetles and asparagus aphids. Diseases include asparagus rust and crown rot. Regularly inspect your plants and take appropriate measures to control pests and diseases.
How do I harvest asparagus spears?
Harvest asparagus spears when they are 6-8 inches tall and about the thickness of a pencil. Snap or cut the spears at ground level. Avoid damaging the surrounding spears or crowns.
How long does an asparagus plant live?
With proper care, an asparagus plant can live for 15-20 years or even longer. Regular fertilization, weed control, and pest and disease management are essential for extending the lifespan of your asparagus patch.
Can I transplant established asparagus plants?
Transplanting established asparagus plants is difficult and not recommended, as it can severely damage the root system. It’s best to start with new crowns.
What should I do with asparagus ferns in the fall?
In the fall, after the ferns have turned brown, you can cut them back to ground level. This helps remove potential overwintering sites for pests and diseases. You can also leave the ferns standing to provide winter interest.