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Sow asparagus seeds indoors eight to 12 weeks before transplanting outside after the risk of frost has passed. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in a sterile seed mix. Place the tray or pots in a sunny, warm location and keep the soil moist. Germination may take 14 to 21 days or longer.
How many asparagus seeds are in a hole?
Asparagus seeds are usually planted one seed per hole. If you are starting seeds, plant in 2 inches pot.
Can you plant asparagus too deep?
Cultivating too deep, or at the wrong time in the season, can damage the crowns and emerging spears. There are two times when asparagus beds can be cultivated: Before the spears come up in the spring, and after all of the spears are harvested but before ferns come up in late June.
How long does it take asparagus to grow from seed?
Asparagus seeds can take 21 days — and even far longer — to germinate. A savvy gardener knows to not give up because young shoots may be about to emerge. The seedlings themselves require several weeks to reach two inches in height, the size right for transplanting into a growing bed.
How deep do you plant asparagus?
To plant asparagus crowns, dig trenches 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep (8 inches in sandy soil) down the center of the prepared bed. Soak the crowns in compost tea for 20 minutes before planting. Place the crowns in the trenches 1½ to 2 feet apart; top them with 2 to 3 inches of soil.
Can I plant asparagus seeds directly in the ground?
Asparagus seed can also be direct sowed when the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees F. Plant seeds 3/4 to one inch deep. Gently firm the soil and keep it evenly moist while the seeds germinate. Seedlings can emerge in 10 to 14 days when the soil temperature is 75 degrees F.
Can you plant asparagus seeds directly in the garden?
Asparagus may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, from seed sown directly in the garden, from transplanted seedlings in fall or from year-old bare roots in spring.
What’s the best fertilizer for asparagus?
The best fertilizer for asparagus will feature a balanced formula that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 blend. Beginning in the fourth year, apply fertilizer after the final harvest in late spring or early summer, instead of a spring application.
Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?
Asparagus prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7, which is mildly acidic. Coffee grounds can run 5 or less on the pH scale by themselves. The grounds also add some nitrogen, which is a regular nutrition need of asparagus.
When should I burn my asparagus?
Ideally, asparagus should be cut back in the fall but it is important that you wait until all of the foliage has died back and turned brown or yellow. This will normally happen after the first frost, but it can happen without frost in areas that do not receive frost.
How deep do asparagus roots grow?
Asparagus needs at least 8 hours of sun per day. Since asparagus is a long-lived perennial, do not plant where trees or tall shrubs might eventually shade the plants or compete for nutrients and water. Soil – The crown and root system can grow to an enormous size: 5 to 6 feet in diameter and 10 to 15 feet deep.
What month do you plant asparagus?
Plant asparagus in spring or fall in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Asparagus takes a few seasons to mature but will reap a harvest for 15 to 30 years, so choose a planting location that will go undisturbed for a long time.
Does asparagus produce the first year?
The first year after planting, you can harvest a few spears from each plant. Pick for about two weeks and then stop so the fronds can unfold and begin feeding the root system. Harvest for three weeks the next year, and four to six weeks after that.
Can asparagus be grown in raised beds?
By planting the asparagus crowns in a raised bed with a soil mix that includes loamy, organic matter, you can ensure good drainage. Another reason to plant asparagus in a raised bed is because it is a perennial crop and can remain productive for 10 to 12 years.
Can you grow asparagus in pots?
It’s best to grow asparagus in the ground, but if necessary it can be grown in large pots or patio bags (at least 60ltrs) for a limited time. This is handy if you want to grow a crop on the patio or you can’t justify giving your asparagus plants a permanent space in the vegetable plot.
Should I soak my asparagus seeds before planting?
It may take as long as 3 weeks for the asparagus seeds to germinate. To hasten germination, soak the seed for 48 hours in water prior to planting. Sow the seeds approximately 1/2″ to 3/4″ deep in rows approximately 2 feet wide. Seedlings should be transplanted or thinned to a minimum of 3-4 inches between plants.
How do you plant asparagus seeds?
Soak seeds in water for 2 days before sowing 2.5cm (1″) deep and 12.5cm (5″) apart in rows 45 to 60cm (18-24″) apart. Thin the seedlings to 15cm (6″) apart when they are 7.5cm (3″) tall. During mid-spring in the second year, transplant the 1 year old roots 45cm (18″) apart in rows 1m (40″) apart.
How many asparagus plants should I plant?
Each plant produces about 1/2 pound of asparagus spears each year, so plan on planting about five to 20 plants per person, advises the University of California.
