How to Grow Asparagus? Detailed Explanation of Methods and Key Technical Points

I. Planting Preparation

1. First observe whether asparagus can grow in the planting location. If the local soil can freeze solid in winter, it indicates the site is unsuitable for planting. Although asparagus is cold-hardy by nature, it is very troublesome to grow in places that are very humid in summer and mild in winter.

2. Asparagus can be grown from seed or from crowns. Asparagus takes three years to bear before producing results, so asparagus is a plant with a very long growth cycle. After germination it still needs to grow for two years before the roots can penetrate into the soil. If starting from crowns, you can go directly to the rooting stage, and planting two years earlier is sufficient.

3. The germination rate of asparagus seeds is not high, so it is difficult at the outset to estimate the survival rate and harvest rate. However, plants grown from seed can survive longer than those grown from crowns and can produce more tender spears.

4. Choosing the planting site: we need to choose a place where asparagus can be grown for a long time, because asparagus can continuously produce tender spears for twenty-five years, so the planting site must be able to remain in place long-term to ensure its growing time. The growing site must have sufficient sunlight so that it grows better.

II. Growing from Seed

1. After sowing, wait until seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings grow to 30 cm tall, they can be planted out into the seedbed. Then dig a 7.5cm hole, which is more conducive to their development.

2. When transplanting to the seedbed, the seedbed must be prepared first. First, weed the seedbed. After making sure there are no residual roots, apply fertilizer. Then dig trenches about thirty cm deep. If planting many rows, the spacing should be extended by double or more.

3. Plant the crowns into the trenches and cover the crowns and roots with soil. After planting, water the soil, then fill the soil back. When the asparagus begins to grow, add soil over the crowns, continuing for two to three weeks, until the added soil reaches the same height as the trench.

4. Finally, there is pest and disease control. Asparagus is easily affected by certain beetles. The asparagus beetle mainly gnaws on the tender spears of fern plants and lays eggs on them. Once discovered, measures must be taken to drive them away or eliminate them.