Asparagus

[marjrie]

I wonder if anyone here can help me, I want to try and grow some Asparagus, but having searched this forum and the internet can only find seeds, which it seems takes years to produce any spears.

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to get hold of Asparagus that will produce the first year?

I know this may be a dim question, but I'm a beginner.

[marjrie]

[grawrc]

You can buy crowns which are usually 1 year old so shouldn't be cropped. In second year you can take a few stalks and then from 3rd year on you can take lots.

The received wisdom says that 2 year old crowns don't take as well as 1 year old.

Whatever way you do it asparagus is a long term investment, but once established the plants will crop for up to 20 years.

You need to prepare the plot really well beforehand. Get rid of perennial weeds add lots of manure amd compost. If you have heavy soil better in raised beds.

[Wicker]

I bought mine as 1 year crowns last year and don't  expect to have my first small "crop" for at least another year (when they will be 3 years).  I bought them online from Victoriana Nurseries (£1 each) but think you should be able to source crowns pretty easily if you Google.  If you are looking for a wee bit quicker results go for 2 year old crowns.  Good luck.

[tim]

Whatever Dobies may say, I believe that this is another test of PATIENCE??

Thing about Victoriana - they can supply at any time of the year.

[Curryandchips]

I have been given six one year old crowns of F1 Martes. What is the correct spacing for these, and the ideal time to put them into their permanent bed? They are currently in compost in large pots residing in my greenhouse.

[grawrc]

18in apart. March/April I think for planting. Protect from frost.

[Trixiebelle]

Wilkos did them last year ... very cheap  :)

[tim]

Don't let them dry out!

[marjrie]

Thanks for all the advice, will have a search today and maybe have a drive over to Wilko's.  :)

[jennym]

And if there are no crowns available - how about sowing some seed anyway?
All my asparagus was started this way, and although it does take patience, its amazing how time flies and suddenly, there you are picking the most amazing thick, succulent spears. One of the earliest and welcome veg on my plot, and I'm so glad I did sow the seed when first starting on this site 6 years ago.

[Meg]

Got mine from Wilco's and this will be the third year this year so looking forward to bumper crop mmmmmmmmmm

[B7jac]

Some years ago I inherited an allotment with a well established and large asparagus area!  It was fantastic, although I'm ashamed to say I didnt know what it was coming through at first, I learned (from the neighbours) that you can only cut them for about 6-8 weeks then you have to let the ferns grow and turn yellow. Has anyone else noticed how much asparagus make your wee smell !!
not a nasty smell just asparagussy ! and so quick !!!

Unfortunately I havent got the lotty any more so I just make do with my nice kitchen garden area which I've just started !

[allanwoolley]

I sowed seeds of Black Knight two springs ago and, perhaps because I made a special effort preparing the soil, they have come on a treat.   And don't forget that one year old crowns have to get themselves established before they can get going whilst a one year old seed sown plant is away like a shot during its second growing year.   This turns the loss of one year into maybe only half a year's advantage.   I doubt if mine could be any better had I grown the crowns as I am sure there will be spears to pick in a few months time.

[grawrc]

B7jac I read something about asparagus and strong-smelling wee and apparently it happens with some people and not with others. I've never been able to afford enough asparagus to test it scientifically and my lottie stuff starts cropping next year. Watch this space..... ;) ;D ;D

[glow777]

Has anyone else noticed how much asparagus make your wee smell !!
not a nasty smell just asparagussy ! and so quick !!!

so what happens if you eat asparagus and beetroot!

[grawrc]

I don't think I rally want to know ;) ;) :o

[Curryandchips]

The beetroot effect has certainly been observed, initially with unnecessary alarm, but the asparagus effect is a new one on me ?

[Ceratonia]

Apparently, there are two different genes involved. Only some people can detect the smell (about half of us, I think). And not everyone's wee is smelly - it depends on how a particular enzyme in the asparagus gets metabolized.

So if you really want to test the Asparagus thing scientifically(!), you may need to involve a number of people  :o

[Curryandchips]

Ah I understand now, re the testing, no thanks !

[grawrc]

Already a failed scientist  ;) I'll just stick with words.