I love asparagus. I love the caramelized flavor when you roast it. I love the skinny, tender shoots. I love to slice them up and add them to pasta. I love the bright green and purple hues. As a perennial, I love the idea of planting once and harvesting for years to come. It fits the From Lawn to Table set and forget it metaphor for growing our own food.
What don’t I love? I do not love the price. Man, grocery store asparagus is expensive! I also don’t love waiting. Waiting for the plant to establish and mature. Waiting for asparagus to come in season. The cliche absence makes the heart grow fonder is true. Waiting makes me enjoy asparagus so much more when it comes in season.
Asparagus is a popular vegetable known for its delicate, tender stalks and distinctive, slightly bitter flavor. It is a member of the lily family and is native to the Mediterranean region. Asparagus has been cultivated for thousands of years and is now grown in many parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Asia.
There are three main types of asparagus: green, white, and purple. Green asparagus is the most common and is characterized by its slender, green stalks. White asparagus is grown underground, which prevents it from developing chlorophyll and gives it its pale color. Purple asparagus is similar to green asparagus, but has a deeper color due to the presence of pigments called anthocyanins.
Asparagus is a nutritious vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, and also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, vitamin B1, and potassium.
To grow asparagus successfully, there are a few key things you should know:
- Choose the right location: Asparagus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it grows best in soil that is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
- Plant in the spring: Asparagus is a perennial plant, which means it will come back year after year. It is best to plant asparagus in the spring, when the weather is mild and there is less risk of frost.
- Prepare the soil: Asparagus grows best in soil that is well-prepared and has good drainage. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its fertility and structure.
- Plant the asparagus crowns: Asparagus is typically grown from crowns, which are the root systems of 1-2 year old asparagus plants. To plant asparagus crowns, dig a trench about 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide, and space the crowns about 18 inches apart. Cover the crowns with about 2 inches of soil, and then gradually fill in the trench as the plants grow.
- Water regularly: Asparagus needs to be watered regularly, especially when it is young. Water the plants deeply, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Fertilize lightly: Asparagus is a low-maintenance plant and does not require a lot of fertilization. If you do choose to fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer and apply it sparingly. Too much fertilizer can lead to weak, leggy growth.
- Harvest sparingly: Asparagus plants can take several years to reach maturity, so it is important to be patient and not over-harvest the plants. When the plants are young, it is best to only harvest a few stalks at a time, and gradually increase the harvest as the plants mature.
As a fairly low maintenance perennial, asparagus makes a great legacy plant. We at From Lawn to Table are all about creating a legacy garden and decorating with edible plants.