Asparagus Plant Information

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Overview

Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetables. This means that you do not have to plant it every year in order to get a harvest. A well-maintained patch will last for decades.

Climate

Asparagus grows the best in areas where the soil freezes in the winter. It should be sheltered in areas that have heavy morning dew or lots of fog.

Soil

Asparagus enjoys fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare the soil for planting by removing any perennial weeds.

Planting

Asparagus can be planted by seed. It takes three years before the plants mature. To achieve a quicker harvest, use 1-year-old crowns to start your asparagus bed.

Harvest

Harvest the asparagus spears when they are still tightly closed.

Pests and Diseases

Asparagus is susceptible to asparagus rust. To prevent rust grow rust resistant types. To reduce the damage caused by the asparagus beetle, compost old asparagus foliage every fall and mulch the asparagus bed.

References

The Practical Gardener's Encyclopedia; Geoffrey Burnie; 2000
The Ohio State University: Growing Asparagus in the Home Garden

Keywords: asparagus, perennial vegetable, rust

About this Author

Karen Carter spent three years as a technology specialist in the public school system and her writing has appeared in the "Willapa Harbor Herald" and the "Rogue College Byline." She has an Associate of Arts from Rogue Community College with a certificate in computer information systems.