Jersey Knight Asparagus Plant

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Full sun is essential for your asparagus. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to ensure the crowns have enough energy to produce thick, healthy spears year after year.
• Soil: These plants prefer loose, deep, well drained soil rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost or aged manure to improve drainage and prevent crown rot, which is the main enemy of a long lived asparagus bed.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, keep the soil consistently moist by providing about 1 inch of water per week. Once the root system is mature, Jersey Knight is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during the summer can lead to spindly growth and reduced harvests the following spring. Focus on deep soaking rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage roots to grow deep into the earth.

Pruning Tips

Asparagus grows into tall, airy ferns after the harvest season, and these must be left alone until they turn completely brown or yellow in late autumn or winter. This allows the plant to move energy from the foliage back down into the roots for next year's crop. Use sharp garden shears to cut the dead stalks down to the ground level, which helps prevent pests like asparagus beetles from overwintering in the debris.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, all purpose fertilizer in early spring before the spears emerge and again immediately after you finish harvesting for the season. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. Think of the post harvest feeding as refueling the plant's engine so it can build up strength for a productive winter dormancy.