Asparagus Question

I planted some asparagus this spring. All of the books say not to pick it the first year. Does that mean not to pick it this year (we only have some grassy whisps growing) or does that mean not to pick it next spring as well?

i planted last spring and i did not pick any this spring. hope to pick lightly next spring.

I think it depends on two things: how old your root stock is (sometimes it's marked one-year or two-year roots) and how big your heads are - I read that if you have finger-sized shoots the second year, you can pick a few but not all of them, the year after, you can pick all the finger-size shoots, allowing the spindly ones to fern.

I went with plants from Meinke's, I'm not at all sure how old they are but they're clearly nothing like asparagus at the moment, and I doubt they'll make asparagus-size shoots next year. We'll see...

So, it sounds like under ideal condiitons, you should phase in picking over a three summer period. Thanks.

That's what I did when I had asparagus at my previous house. But after 3 years, I had plenty of asparagus. I still let a few grow up into big ferny plants every year, though.

I'm revisiting this thread because now that it's fall, I'm wondering what to do with all the ferny growth that happened this summer. We've got quite a bit of it. Do we cut it down for winter or do we just let it die off?

Steve, lots of asparagus farms near my MI hangout; they leave the ferns long after the season ends. They cut it back when it looks like "dead" brush, much like many other perennials.

From the MI asparagus info site:

What do I do with the fern growth after I am done harvesting asparagus?
Do not cut it down until the fall when it has turned all brown. The fern is what feeds the crown nutrients so that it will produce spears again in the spring.

Well, after two full growing seasons, I have harvested some asparagus.

two years + 100 crowns = about a pound of harvest.

Anyone know where to buy some local product?

We got around 10 spears and some other growth this year. I'm hoping that next year (season 3) we will begin to harvest. It's hard not to do it this time, but there isn't nearly enough to satisfy my craving yet, so I'll let it be.

Hi all,

Has anyone tried digging up a decent wild asparagus plant and planting it where you want? I wonder if you get a decent root size if things would get a better start?

dan

teatpuller wrote:...snip...

Anyone know where to buy some local product?

I know you're kidding but...Mayneland Farm has opened for the season. They've got great asparagus. And, apparently, fresh eggs this year as well.

Mayneland Farm
27W265 Bauer Road
Naperville, IL 60563
630-357-1877

Diannie wrote:I know you're kidding but...Mayneland Farm has opened for the season. They've got great asparagus. And, apparently, fresh eggs this year as well.

Thanks for the tip. But Naperville = too far for me!