Asparagus Harvesting - How And When To Pick Asparagus

When the spears appear in spring, harvest them when they are 6 to 10 inches above the soil line, but before the flower buds are open. Simply cut or snap off the spears at ground level. Continue harvesting for six to eight weeks, but no later than July 1.

1. How many times can you harvest asparagus?
2. Does asparagus regrow after cutting?
3. How do you dig up asparagus?
4. What to do with asparagus when it goes to seed?
5. Does asparagus spread on its own?
6. How much asparagus do you get from one plant?
7. What can you not plant near asparagus?
8. How many years will asparagus grow?
9. How do I know when asparagus is ready to harvest?
10. Does asparagus have deep roots?
11. How do you move an established asparagus plant?
12. What is the best fertilizer for asparagus?
13. What happens if you don't cut asparagus?
14. Should you cut asparagus when it goes to seed?
15. Why are my asparagus spears so thin?
16. How do you maintain asparagus?
17. How do you tell the difference between a male and female asparagus?
18. What time of year is asparagus in season?
19. Does asparagus make your urine stink?
20. How many crowns does it take to grow asparagus?
21. Can you eat asparagus raw?

How many times can you harvest asparagus?

Early in the season, 7-to-9 inch spears might be harvested every two to four days. As air temperatures increase, harvesting frequencies will increase to once or twice per day. Growers can have up to 24 harvests per season, after which crowns are allowed to fern and grow out.

Does asparagus regrow after cutting?

Now, let's get to the question: does asparagus regrow after cutting. The answer is yes because perennial plants return year after year.

How do you dig up asparagus?

Now it's time to dig up the established plants. Dig deeply with a sharp spade. Cut into roots as needed to bring up manageable clumps to the soil surface. Shake soil from the clumps, or rinse them gently to expose the roots.

What to do with asparagus when it goes to seed?

Once the asparagus has ferned out, cut the foliage back in the fall and mulch heavily with compost to over winter. Remove the mulch in the spring and wait patiently for the delicious, tender shoots to emerge.

Does asparagus spread on its own?

Asparagus also needs space, about 4 to 5 feet for each plant. They won't spread out much the first couple of years, but once established they will quickly fill in. ... Unlike many plants, the roots of asparagus crowns can withstand some air exposure, and you will usually find them for sale loose.

How much asparagus do you get from one plant?

Each plant yields about 1/2 pound of asparagus spears each harvest.

What can you not plant near asparagus?

There are two main crops to avoid growing alongside asparagus: Alliums. Alliums like leeks, garlic, and onion sharing the soil with asparagus are said to stunt its growth. That doesn't mean you have to choose between them: Just plant any alliums a good distance away from asparagus beds and they'll be fine.

How many years will asparagus grow?

The seedlings themselves require several weeks to reach two inches in height, the size right for transplanting into a growing bed. It takes three to four years for a young plant to develop the maturity needed to support annual harvests that last four to six weeks. Until then, one must harvest sparingly.

How do I know when asparagus is ready to harvest?

1. Choose Pristine Buds

1. Stalks should be plump and firm, and tips should be tightly closed.
2. Color can be green, purple, or white, depending on the variety. Make sure the color is not faded.
3. A good grocer will chill asparagus or store it standing upright in cold, fresh water.

Does asparagus have deep roots?

--Asparagus is a perennial plant with a very extensive root system, which arises from a thick rootstock which grows from year to year. The primary root is only a few inches long and is short lived.

How do you move an established asparagus plant?

Transplanting asparagus should be done when the crown is dormant. Use a garden shovel to feel around each asparagus plant for roots. Once you can get under the root system, gently pull up until the plant is free. Untangle roots using your hands or a garden fork, being careful not to cut the roots.

What is the best fertilizer for asparagus?

Asparagus can be fertilized in early spring before the spears emerge. An application of 1 to 1.5 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet should be adequate. Asparagus can also be fertilized after the last harvest in June. Using a nitrogen fertilizer, apply .

What happens if you don't cut asparagus?

Strong growth after the harvest ensures healthy spears the next season. Along with the ferny growth, female plants produce red seeds. These seeds drop to the ground and become new plants if not removed.

Should you cut asparagus when it goes to seed?

Comments for Asparagus Ferns - gone to seed

( if you don't cut the fern back in the autumn that's fine cut it back in spring, cutting it back just helps to reduce the chance of diseases taking hold).

Why are my asparagus spears so thin?

Thin asparagus spears appear for a number of reasons, but the root cause is ultimately the same: the asparagus crown lacks the rigor to create bigger shoots. ... Improper Feeding – Asparagus are somewhat heavy feeders and need all the food they can get in order to build strong spears the following year.

How do you maintain asparagus?

Prepare the soil

1. Prepare the soil.
2. Work the soil a foot or more deep; growing asparagus in raised beds is a useful way to achieve the proper depth. ...
3. Fertilize as recommended.
4. Fertilize asparagus in the spring during the first three years of growth. ...
5. Water regularly.
6. Water deeply, as needed. ...
7. Maintain weeds.

How do you tell the difference between a male and female asparagus?

Asparagus Sex Determination

Asparagus is dioecious, which means there are both male and female plants. Female asparagus produces seeds that look like little red berries. Male plants produce thicker, larger spears than females. The flowers on male plants are also larger and longer than those on females.

What time of year is asparagus in season?

SEASON: Look for asparagus in the market from February to June, with April being the peak. CHOOSING: Fresh asparagus will be bright green with no signs of shriveling. The tender tips may have a purplish cast, but they should be firm and tight, never mushy.

Does asparagus make your urine stink?

The culprit of the funky smelling urine appears to be asparagusic acid, a compound high in sulfur and abundant in asparagus. When your body digests asparagus and breaks down asparagusic acid, it releases volatile components that are responsible for the foul smell of asparagus urine.

How many crowns does it take to grow asparagus?

Growing white asparagus is a matter of layering soil over the spears so they don't produce chlorophyll; you can do this with any variety. Ten crowns will fit in a 4-by-8-foot bed and are generally enough to supply a family of four. Try to time your purchase so the asparagus crowns can go in the ground without delay.

Can you eat asparagus raw?

Asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable that can be eaten cooked or raw. Because of its tough texture, cooking is the most popular preparation method. However, thinly sliced or marinated raw spears can be equally enjoyable.