Asparagus
Learn how to care for asparagus along with its history and classification details.
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Soil Type: Neutral to slightly alkaline, slightly acidic to neutral
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Annual or Perennial: Perennial
Type: Vegetable
History: The history of asparagus goes back as far as that of the leek and has been consumed for over 2000 years. This garden plant originated in the eastern Mediterranean countries and traces of wild varieties have been discovered in Africa. Archaeologists believe that it was also cultivated in Egypt.
The asparagus plant is tall with scale like leaves emerging from the underground stem (rhizome) and has stout stems and feathery foliage. The flowers are bell shaped and occur alone or in pairs. They are green-white to yellow in color. After flowering, a round red berry is formed with 1 to 6 black seeds.
How to Care for Asparagus
How do I plant asparagus?
Plant seed in spring, about one inch deep, spaced two to three inches apart, within rows that are a foot apart.
When is the best time to plant?
The best time to plant asparagus is in spring.
How do I propagate asparagus?
Asparagus propagation by division is one of the most common methods. When production of spears slows down over several years, it is time to cut the root into pieces
Can I grow asparagus in a pot?
Yes, you can grow asparagus in a pot.
How much should I water asparagus?
Asparagus likes soil that drains well and 1 inch of water per week.
Do I need to fertilize asparagus?
You can fertilize asparagus infrequently.
How do I know when asparagus is ripe?
Asparagus stalks will be rigid when ripe.
When do I harvest asparagus?
Spears are ready to be harvested when they’ve reached 6 to 10 inches tall and about the diameter of your index finger.
What is the best way to store asparagus?
Trim the bottoms and stand the spears up in a glass or jar with about an inch of water. Cover with a plastic bag then refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
Is a asparagus a fruit or a vegetable?
Vegetable.
Should I plant any companion plants?
Asparagus grows well with tomatoes or eggplant.
Risotto with Asparagus
Asparagus is delicious and adds amazing flavor to this easy risotto recipe.
Europeans of the Renaissance swore by [asparagus] as an aphrodisiac, and the church banned it from nunneries.
Barbara Kingsolver
