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Asparagus

Growing asparagus in Texas takes some patience, but is well worth the payoff in the end.  Asparagus can take several years to establish before it is recommended that you harvest any of the spears. The good news is that the plant is extremely durable and hardy, and provides a beautiful ornamental display during the first couple years of establishment. 

Planting Method
Transplant bare root crowns in late Winter/early Spring

Planting Dates
Mid-February to early March 

Spacing
Plant bareroot crowns about 6" deep, 18" to 24" apart, on rows 5' apart on center.   Be sure to dig a wide enough hole to spread the roots out evenly in all directions. 

Site Selection
Asparagus prefers loose, well drained soil with a pH around 7.0. Be sure to select an area of your garden that is free of perennial weeds and one that you can to commit to having the asparagus in for many years of growth. 

Asparagus spear emerging in early Spring

Fertilizing
Work in some well aged compost into your planting site at the time of planting the crowns.  Fertilize with a good all purpose fertilizer such as Microlife early in the season just before the spears begin to grow (March) and again at the end of summer (September) to ensure healthy growth to return energy back down into the crowns. 

Harvest
Asparagus should not be harvested the first two years after planting the crowns.  During the 3rd year harvest only 25% of the spears. During the 4th year harvest 50% of spears.  During the 5th year and following years harvest 75% of the spears and then allow the plant to grow out completely to accumulate energy back into the crowns from September to December.   Harvest the spears by snapping them off just below the soil surface.  Cut back the fronds to soil level at the end of the year after a freeze, or when the fronds are yellow in areas that don't receive a freeze. 

Variety Selection

UC157​

De Paoli

Apollo 

​Atlas

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