asparagus

[Ignatius]

I planted asparagus sets sometime ago, and I've got spindly plants about 16" high.  Should these be staked?  Should I cut these back?  Help!!!! I need guidance!!!!!!!

[scsnyder]

asparagus takes two years from planting for you to harvest.  The first year you let the plants go to seed (they get tall, spindly and look like a fern on top).  You need to mulch them this fall.  The second year you will need also to let them go to seed and mulch in the fall.  By the third year they will be ready to harvest.  Asparagus plants should be allowed to become well established before any spears are harvested.  You can fertilize in the early spring.  I hope this helps.

[Ignatius]

Mine are tall and spindly - should I put some stakes or support them so the stalks don't fall or break?  Also, should I cut them back this fall?

 

Thanks!

 

T.

[scsnyder]

Just let them go.  They get tall and spindly when they go to seed.  If they fall over it is okay this helps them multiply.   Asparagus can multiply by roots or the seeds. Make sure you mulch them this fall. Next year you should have bigger and better asparagus.  Make sure next spring keep an eye on them and harvest when they are six inches.  Makes sure to leave a couple to go to seed for the next years crop.

[lavender]

Once the frost hits cut them back and remove the debris. This deters the dreaded asparagus beetle. My asparagus patch is over 20 years old and producing better than ever. One of these days you will get so tired of asparagus you won't even want to look at it!

[slk59]

my son got tired of fighting the groundhogs ( he watched them climb over a 3 foot fence! ) and gave up on his garden last year. there were some well established asparagus plants - even after roto tilling and planting grass he still has to mow over asparagus stubs.  

[Ignatius]

Thanks all!  Asparagus party at my house in two years!