how to grow asparagus in colorado

It prefers soil high in organic matter, and full sun (eight hours/day minimum). Fertilizing – Asparagus is a heavy feeder. Fertilize in spring as growth starts and again in mid-summer after the harvest period. Mulching – Asparagus competes poorly with weeds and other crops for water, nutrients, and space.

Does asparagus grow well in Colorado?

Wild asparagus is perennial, it grows in the same spot year after year. You'll find them prevalently along farm fences bordering irrigated pasture lands. They also grow in moist, grassy ditches and along riparian corridors. If you head to the countryside during springtime, there is a very good chance you'll see them.

How long does it take for asparagus to grow?

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.

What month do you plant asparagus?

Planting. Asparagus is grown from 1- or 2-yearold crowns planted in January or February, or as soon as the ground can be worked. Crowns can also be grown from seeds planted in flats or peat cups. It takes at least a year to grow a good crown.

How easy is it to grow asparagus?

Asparagus does best in lighter soils that warm up quickly in spring and drain well; standing water will quickly rot the roots. Prepare a planting bed for your asparagus —simple raised beds work best — that's about 4 feet wide by removing all perennial weeds and roots, and digging in aged manure or compost.

Can you plant asparagus too deep?

Asparagus grows with minimal water, too much can cause the roots to rot out. ... In fall the asparagus bed should have 3 to 5 inches of soil over the crowns. If the crowns are too shal- low the spears are spindly and if planted too deep the crowns grow to the surface too rapidly sacrificing the yield of your early crop.

Can you eat wild asparagus?

Wild asparagus can be used like its common counterpart, prepared by snapping off the bottoms at their natural breaking or bending point. Wild asparagus is best showcased raw or briefly cooked; it can be sautéed, steamed, boiled, baked and fried.

How many asparagus do you get from one plant?

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

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.

What do I do with my first year asparagus?

When spears shoot up the first year, let them leaf out and grow on. After harvest in spring, feed each plant an organic fertilizer to support top growth through the summer; summer growth will determine how good the following year's spears will be. Aged compost and well-rotted manure will feed asparagus beds.

Does asparagus like sun or shade?

Light requirements: Full sun. Plant asparagus on the west or north side of a garden so the tall plants won't shade other vegetables in summer. Planting: Space 12 to 18 inches apart. Soil requirements: Asparagus needs well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

Will 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 do I know when asparagus is ready to harvest?

1. Choose Pristine Buds

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

What part of asparagus is poisonous?

Like the rhubarb, the part of the asparagus plant that we love – the young stems – are perfectly safe to eat. But the asparagus hides a deceptive, nasty secret: Its fruit, which are bright red berries, are toxic to humans.

Why is asparagus bad for you?

"There are no life-threatening side effects of eating too much asparagus," said Flores, "but there may be some uncomfortable side effects such as gas, and a noticeable smell to the urine." It is also possible to have an asparagus allergy, in which case you should not eat it, she said.

Does asparagus multiply?

Asparagus plants are long-lived and vigorous. When asparagus plants are growing in a sunny site with good drainage, proper irrigation, and adequate nutrients, the plants multiply and become crowded over time. A mature stand of asparagus plants produces spears over several weeks, and even up to eight weeks.

Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?

Asparagus prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7, which is mildly acidic. Coffee grounds can run 5 or less on the pH scale by themselves. ... The grounds also add some nitrogen, which is a regular nutrition need of asparagus.

Is Epsom salt good for asparagus?

Asparagus, Cabbage, cauliflower, kale, onions, radishes, Turnips and many flowering plants need a lot of sulfur to thrive. ... Epsom salts are highly water-soluble, when diluted with water, and applied as a foliar spray it can be absorbed rapidly by plants.

Should you soak asparagus before planting?

Separate the asparagus crowns from the bundle and soak the bare-root asparagus roots in water* for 15-30 minutes prior to planting so that they are well hydrated going into the ground. *for a jump-start, consider soaking your asparagus in nutrient-rich organic compost- or manure-tea!

What happens if you dont pick asparagus?

A few weeks after you planted asparagus crowns, small spears emerge from the ground. Don't harvest these tiny spears for the first season. By leaving the plants intact, you encourage strong, deep root formation that increases yields later.

Is Wild Asparagus good for you?

Nutrition Benefits

Vitamins A & C – reduces risk of heart disease and certain cancers, and protects eye and skin health. Vitamin K – essential for bone formation and blood clotting. Potassium – maintains healthy blood pressure.

Can you eat all parts of asparagus?

You can eat the whole spear except for the woody stem towards the bottom. Hold the asparagus spear on each end firmly. Gently bend the asparagus so that it bows out away from you. Keep bending until the asparagus snaps.