How to Grow Asparagus Guide

Growing Non-GMO Jersey Giant Asparagus Crowns

Choose a sunny location with well-drained, loamy soil and ensure a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.5-7.0. Dig a trench about 10 inches deep. Add about 3 inches of compost or well-aged manure. This will support growth over the coming years. Add some of the removed soil back to the trench creating a ridge for planting. Space plants 18 inches apart with rows at least 18 inches apart, providing ample room for growth. Plant the bud/crown approximately at soil level with the crown on top of the ridge and the roots extending downward. The roots should be covered with at least 3 inches of soil. Firm in and water. Planting is typically done in early spring. Crowns should be well-established after a few years.

In the second year, lightly harvest about half the spears when 6 inches tall. Adequate irrigation is crucial, with 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the early years, gradually reducing to every 2-3 weeks after the fourth year. Mulching around the plants with compost or grass clippings helps retain soil moisture and control weeds. Pruning is a key aspect, and it is recommended to wait until all foliage has turned brown or yellow after the first frost, cutting the plants back to the soil surface and applying mulch for protection. Vigilance against common pests like asparagus beetles and diseases such as crown and spear rot is essential.

Jersey Giant Asparagus in the Vegetable Garden

Jersey Giant asparagus is primarily grown in the garden for its delicious and tender spears. In both home and commercial gardens, it serves as a valuable perennial vegetable crop, offering a sweet flavor and high yields. Its adaptability to the Southern climate makes it a sought-after choice for regions with warmer temperatures. While its primary use is as a culinary delight, providing fresh, homegrown asparagus for a variety of dishes, it may also contribute to the overall garden ecosystem. As a perennial, it establishes itself as a reliable, long-term crop, and its disease resistance can contribute to a healthier garden environment.

Harvesting Jersey Giant Asparagus

Harvesting Jersey Giant asparagus involves a careful and timely process to ensure optimal flavor and tenderness. The readiness for harvest is indicated when the spears reach around 5 inches in height. It's crucial to cut the spears before they exceed this length, especially in warmer climates where higher temperatures can cause the spears to open early. To harvest, use a sharp knife or asparagus harvesting tool to cut the spears at or slightly below the soil surface. Avoid harvesting in the first year as this may prevent your crop from returning in the coming years. In the second year, harvest half the crop with a full harvest occurring in the third year. Harvesting should be done regularly during the asparagus season, typically in the early spring. After harvesting, the spears can be stored in the refrigerator for a short period, up to a week, to maintain their freshness. For longer-term storage, blanching and freezing the spears is a recommended method. Additionally, it's advisable to mow down the plant stalks after the foliage has died to promote a healthier growth cycle for the next season.

About Jersey Giant Asparagus Crowns

Jersey Giant asparagus, developed by a largely male hybrid, is well-adapted to the South, making it a valuable addition to gardens in Southern states where it is recommended by ten university extension services.

Known for its sweet flavor and tender texture, this variety boasts high yields and produces very little to no seed, contributing to its popularity among gardeners.

Notably, it shows excellent resistance to diseases such as rust, Fusarium, and crown rot.

To ensure the best results, it's essential to cut the spears before they exceed 5 inches, especially in temperatures above 70 F.

The plant prefers well-worked, fertile, humus-enriched soil and reaches a height of 4 to 5 feet. Regular harvesting promotes continuous production, and mowing down the plant stalks after the foliage dies aids in its overall health.

Rich in essential nutrients, asparagus is a nutritious addition to the diet, providing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"For optimal growth and spear production with Jersey Giant asparagus, consider incorporating a layer of organic mulch around the plants. This mulch serves a dual purpose: it helps retain soil moisture, crucial for the development of tender spears, and it suppresses weed growth, reducing competition for nutrients. However, to maximize its effectiveness, choose a mulch that breaks down over time, such as straw or well-aged compost. This not only provides a continuous source of organic matter to the soil but also encourages the development of beneficial soil microorganisms. As the mulch breaks down, it contributes to the overall health of the asparagus bed, promoting a nutrient-rich environment for sustained growth and high yields."

- Chelsea Hafer, True Leaf Market Writer

Jersey Giant Asparagus Crowns Per Package:

• 5 Asparagus Crowns
• 10 Asparagus Crowns
• 25 Asparagus Crowns

Non-GMO Jersey Giant Asparagus Crowns are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.