This article gives a step-by-step guide on how to grow asparagus from store-bought
1) Confirm the suitability of your area
Even though asparagus can grow anywhere, an indisputable fact is that it shoots better in areas with cold winters or parched summers. Growing it in areas with mild winters or summers is possible but however, is harder when compared with the former.
2) Purchase the Asparagus
Once it’s sure the area is suitable for the growing asparagus, buy your asparagus crowns. You may choose to purchase them from a store or online. Seeds are available throughout the year, unlike crowns which can only be purchased during the winters. However, there are certain things to take note of when purchasing your asparagus from the store. These factors are explained below:
A) Ensure you purchase the appropriate gender which should be the male asparagus. The female asparagus channels its energy in producing seeds more than spears which makes the male asparagus more suitable instead.
B) Purchase a variety of asparagus that resists rusting. An example of asparagus that resists rusting is Jersey. Mary Washington also falls in this category.
C) If you would like to purchase the purple asparagus, shield your crowns from the sun with soil
D) It is best to purchase thinner stalks as thick asparagus can be tough to grow
E) Ensure the bracts are not plump but rather, tight
F) Finally, it is advisable to go for uniform asparagus plants in color and size. This is because they tend to look better on the plate and likewise, in the garden.
Read also: How Deep Do Asparagus Roots Grow: Find Out Here
3) Choose the hot spot for your asparagus
The hot spot for asparagus should be sunny coupled with a good drainage system. The asparagus can be planted near trees. However, the trees should not have loads of leaves so as not to block the sun’s rays. Also, the drainage must be efficient as asparagus can start to get rotten when the soil is waterlogged. Once asparagus is established, they can keep producing spears for up to 25 years and even more. That is why it’s necessary to choose a planting spot that can last for a very long time.
Tip: learn how to grow asparagus from seeds and cuttings
4) Dig Trenches
Six-inch deep and 12 inch wide trenches can be dug. Make multiple rows if there are many crowns to regrow. Ensure to space them two to three feet apart
5) Add Compost
Add about 2-4 inches of compost layer. In the absence of a compost layer, add dung or perhaps, soil mix. You can as well add fertilizers after adding your compost but this is optional.
6) Plant the Asparagus Crowns
Soak your asparagus crowns in warm or compost water for fifteen minutes and then plant them. The plants should be anchored in the trenches. Water it afterward.
Related: Do Asparagus Plants Multiply? Here is What You Need To Know
7) Cover the Top of Each Crown with Soil
Add about 5cm of soil on the top of each crown planted. This helps in the fast shooting of the asparagus. As it shoots, ensure to cover it with more soil every three weeks until it is ready to be harvested.
8) Mulch the Asparagus
This involved spreading decayed leaves or compost around the asparagus so as to enrich the soil. This can actually be time-consuming but still worth it.
Tip: for details on how to take care of your plants, check our step by step guide on how to take care of garden plants
9) Harvesting the asparagus
For details about harvesting asparagus, check our step-by-step guide on how to harvest asparagus here.
Related: How To Harvest Asparagus Step By Step Guide
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed how to grow asparagus from store-bought asparagus. We hope that the article helps you in understanding how to grow asparagus from store-bought asparagus. We would like to hear from you. Let’s know if you have any questions about growing from store-bought asparagus.
