Topic: when should I give up on asparagus?

[gwynnethmary]

I made an aspagus bed and planted up 6 crowns about 6 weeks ago.  There are no signs at all of anything coming through the soil.  I've kept the area well waterd and we've had quite a few warm days since then (as well as lots of cold!).  At what point do I admit defeat?

[chriscross1966]

I canb'#t believe they're dead..... I had 75 seed grown plants that were utterly neglected through the winter in tiny pots and only got any attention a few weeks ago having not been watered in months.... I lost less than 10% in the end....


chrisc

[PurpleHeather]

They should have made some sign of life (if they were alive when they were planted) by now.

I would be carefully scraping around to reveal a corm to check for signs of growth if it were me.

[gwynnethmary]

I canb'#t believe they're dead..... I had 75 seed grown plants that were utterly neglected through the winter in tiny pots and only got any attention a few weeks ago having not been watered in months.... I lost less than 10% in the end....


chrisc

Hope you have lots of space to grow so many!

[gwynnethmary]

I would be carefully scraping around to reveal a corm to check for signs of growth if it were me.

I know, but I'm scared!

[nilly71]

Maybe you overwatered them ???

When I planted mine I watered then did not water for about a month and again a few weeks later. All ten are now between 6" - 18".
Just scrape the soil carefully away from the top to find the crowns to see if they are rotten/dead.

Neil

[sawfish]

Don't give up on asparagus
They're still worth one more try
I know we put our last spears by
Just for a rainy evening
When maybe stars are few
Don't give up on asparagus, they may still come through....

David Soul.

[blackcountrysteve]

i thought the same about my crowns mary, i planted them half way through march
but last week yeehaaa they popped up  ;D

give them a chance , only another 2 years before we get our first spears to eat !!!
hope it's worth the wait

[cleo]

 (if they were alive when they were planted) by now.

That sums it up-I suspect the crowns were duff

[gwynnethmary]

I think the crowns were Ok-some  were already showing signs of budding before they went under the soil.
Thanks everyone for your encouraging words- I shall pluck up the courage and do some gentle investigating next time I'm at the lottie- it may be 4 years for me!

[Digindep]

All I can say is grew mine from seed two yrs back....all I can do is look forward to a pppposible crop next year..if not the following....they take a lotta killin' off...
Be patient...... ;)

[AdeTheSpade]

I planted 12 crowns around the 2nd week in April (so that'll be about 6 weeks as well) - I was thinking the same as you Gwynnethmary that I'd lost them, but then they suddently sprang up!  The other thing that was a bit confusing with mine is that they're a purple variety and I couldn't see them very well against the soil :-[  And they're very spindly indeed - hopefully next year when I come to harvest a few, they'll have thicker stems!

[sunloving]

Hi
Two years ago i planted mine in a big fish box in march and they sulked until mid august when the spears finally apeared. So even if you think they are duds put them somewhere just in case they are just sulking. Since then they have moved twice and now are looking ferny and green in my new garden.
good luck
It will be worth it!
x sunloving

[gwynnethmary]

Could the newly emerging stems look a bit like leek seedlings/grass?

[gwynnethmary]

Hurray!  Spotted my first spear emerging today!

[Alimo]

 ;)  Good oh

Alison

[Stevens706]

Noticed yesterday that my missing asparagus crown has just come through  - no idea why it has taken over a month longer to show than they others I planted at the same time.

[gwynleg]

oh good - I had planted about 12 last year - 4 are now up - just! I dont understand it as I gave 1-2 away and they have grown huge!!