Asparagus Plants - Long-Lived Perennial Vegetables!
Asparagus plants are perennial vegetables that, once established, can produce reliably for more than 15 years! The plants produce tender and delicious spears which are the young shoots of the plant.
When left in the ground and allowed to grow, they become airy clouds of very fine-textured greenery with tiny little flowers and berry-like seed pods in the summer/fall. Florists love the plumes of greenery for bouquets and floral décor! Just keep in mind that the feathery Asparagus plant can grow 3 to 4 feet tall.
But the main reason most grow these vegetables is their incredibly healthful benefits! Antioxidants, Vitamin E, K, and Folic Acid, a great cruciferous vegetable that aids gut health, and may have anti-cancer properties!
Steam or saute in butter or olive oil, the spears go great with garlic, balsamic vinegar, cheese, or lemon and are an upscale-looking easy vegetable side dish that goes with any main course! Wrap with pastry or bacon to kick things up to high-end or make delicious appetizers! You can also juice the spears or whiz them up in your morning smoothies, bake them into quiche or eggs, and add to an elegant risotto!
Types of Asparagus Plants
Plants are available in traditional Asparagus green, green with purple highlights, entirely burgundy/purple, or can even be blanched (covered as they grow to prevent photosynthesis) to keep them white. The purple and burgundy varieties have been said to produce a sweeter spear.
Some of Nature Hills' favorite Asparagus Plants include:
- Jersey Knight Asparagus Plant
- Purple Passion Asparagus Plant
- Jersey Giant Asparagus Plant
- Jersey Supreme Asparagus Plant
- Mary Washington Asparagus
The biggest harvest is in the spring but later spears can also appear and be harvested. Harvest by snapping/cutting them off near the ground level once they get 6-10 inches tall. Leave behind a few spears of each plant to ensure the plant can make food for the roots.
Growing & Caring For Asparagus Plants
Available in potted or bareroot, Asparagus crowns are best planted in either spring or fall. Space plants 18 inches apart in rows five feet apart in holes or trenches about 8 inches deep and 10 inches wide. Spread the roots in the bottom and cover the crown with soil and water in well.
Cold-hardy, and often heat tolerant as well, Asparagus grows best in vegetable gardens with full sun access and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Once planted, the Asparagus plant will take two growing seasons before maturing and producing spears. As long as you start them off on the right foot, they are easy to grow!
Choose a location in full sun in a garden bed that is enriched with ample organic matter and has very good drainage. Apply compost yearly when putting your Asparagus bed to sleep for the winter months.
Homeowners can also plant Asparagus in raised beds or containers when space is limited, or when drainage in the ground isn’t adequate.
Companion plants for Asparagus include Basil, Parsley, Dill, and other herbs, Grape vines, Nightshades like Tomatoes, Nasturtiums, and Strawberries.
Tasty Spears Shipped To Your Doorstep!
Order your healthful and flavorful Asparagus Plants from Nature Hills today and start enjoying years of perennial harvests! Order at (402) 934-8116 today!