| Botanical Name: |
Asparagus officinalis (Giant) |
| Form: |
Vegetable root |
| Sun Exposure: |
Full Sun |
| Height/Habit: |
3 - 5' |
| Spread: |
3 - 4' |
| Spacing: |
12 - 18" |
| Hardiness Zone: |
3 - 8 |
| Foliage Type: |
Very fine, airy, ferny foliage. |
| Planting Requirements: |
Plant 12 - 18" apart in trenches. Prepare a deep trench so the roots can be spread out naturally. Gradually fill in the trench as the plants grow with a mixture of rich soil and aged compost. A minimum of 6" of soil mixture should be on top of the plants when you are finished. If fall planting, fill the trench in completely at time of planting. |
| Soil Requirements: |
Well-drained soil rich in organic matter. |
| Growth Rate: |
Fast |
| Unique Characteristics: |
An old-time favorite known for uniform size and high yields. Limit the first harvest to one to two cuttings by mid-June of the second year. A full crop can be harvested the third year after planting. Allow some of the asparagus stems to mature into the beautiful ferny foliage to help the plants take in nutrients to produce next season's crop. |
| Pruning: |
When harvesting spears, cut or snap off at ground level. Pencil size is the best harvested size for tenderness and flavor. |
