Begin harvest two years after planting crowns, three years after planting seeds. resistance to rust. out.can anyone confirm this? I keep adding more asparagus as I get older. In the peak of asparagus season, asparagus spears can grow up to 2 inches per day, producing bountiful harvests for gardeners to enjoy. Emerges as spears for harvest at desired thickness. Cultivation is most effective on small, young weed seedlings and is not likely to control perennial weeds or large, established annual weeds. rot. Weeds compete with asparagus for soil nutrients, water, and light, so managing weeds will help support a more bountiful yield of spears. Full Sun 6 Hours Direct Sun Perennials. After planting, there should still be plenty of soil along the sides of the furrows, which will be used later in the season to continue back-filling the furrows as the ferns grow. Predominantly male, produces high yields, high disease tolerance and produces well in warmer climates. It has high levels of anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant, giving it its purple color. Since asparagus is a long-lived perennial crop, proper site selection is important. Genus name is the classical name of this plant. Jersey Knight, I believe, is the earliest. Stewarts Purple perfectly happy in other climates too. Some very old publications and online gardening blogs may say to spread out the roots of the crowns like an octopus during planting, but this is an outdated, unnecessary practice. Jersey King or Jersey Knight although not quite so many as Jersey King. Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil, and water well. 'Jersey Giant,' 'Jersey Knight' and 'Jersey Supreme' were developed by the Rutgers University breeding program. It is important to cover the crowns with soil very soon after planting. in humus composted soil. It originated in Europe, North Africa, and West Asia and has been consumed for more than 2,000 years. supplier claims it is good for freezing, we will have to test this SKU. Following the steps outlined in planting a new asparagus crop will help ensure that your investment pays off. They also prefer full or partial sun. The demand for this crop is higher than the current in-state production. What are the differences of the Jersey's vs. the Millennium? Regular fertilization encourages a prolific crop of asparagus. A great way to get the earliest cash crop in town or to extend your garden season. They can be used in the early spring before spears have started emerging, or after all spears have been harvested in late June and no ferns are present. sweet and tender and very good eaten raw. Waiting to prepare until the planting year only works if the grower already knows that the field is well suited for asparagus and if nurseries still have crowns of the desired varieties available. I can say I appreciate the information on the Mellenium variety. Jersey Knight, (F1) Asparagus Roots The Jersey Knight asparagus is a very productive and great tasting plant. It also produces a large crop and is very sturdy. Regents of the University of Minnesota. White asparagus is not a separate variety but is grown under different growing conditions. Be sure to think carefully about which variety or range of varieties will suit your growing conditions best if you are thinking of planting an asparagus bed. The comments on each are a distillation of what the various suppliers and growers claim for their products. In heavy clay soils, make the furrows more shallow (6-8 inches) and deeper (10-12 inches) for very sandy soil. Mequoda Publishing Network Our Asparabuddie of Hargreaves Plants who are major suppliers of asparagus crowns to growers and have an extensive testing program sent us six asparagus varieties to compare. You should only can asparagus if you can process it in a pressure canner. The Jersey Giant is hardy and does well in most climates, including chilly and cool ones. $68.99 31% off! We were a bit underwhelmed by Pacific Purple. Asparagus 'Jersey Knight'. Note: asparagus can also spread by their red berries. The newly planted crowns have very small root systems, so just a few weeds around each plant can cause the plants to grow slowly and produce fewer spears later on. Mulching: Straw and leaves can be used for mulch in asparagus beds to help smother weeds. The flavour The site for the asparagus nursery should be level and have sandy soil. $14.88 $ 14. crowns. It was bred by crossing two different varieties of asparagus, the 'Jersey Giant' and the classic heirloom 'Mary Washington'. The edible parts of the plant are called the spears. While a handful of large retailers may still have limited stock of these varieties left for purchase, growers will no longer be able to source these varieties in general once that limited stock is sold. Very adaptive, and easy to grow. 5 Asparagus Crown,Jersey Knight 2 Year Roots,Large,green spears tipped,Vegetable. Some hybrid asparagus varieties have been bred to provide male only asparagus plants. will grow in poor salty or alkaline soil. This information came through conversations with asparagus colleagues at Michigan State University and Nourse Farms. So, what is the best asparagus to grow? In heavy clay soils, the furrow depth may be reduced to six inches, and in sandy soils, the depth may be increased to no more than 12 inches. The Mary Washington asparagus is an heirloom variety that is a perennial plant and it does best in growing zones 3-8. China is the worlds largest asparagus producer with nearly 7 million tons each year. Whilst some varieties are naturally taller or thinner than others growing conditions also affect the shape of the spears. Are they pretty much the same thing? The Atlas asparagus is resistant to most diseases that affect asparagus plants and it does very well in hot climates. After planting, there should still be plenty of soil along the sides of the furrows, which will be used later in the season to continue back-filling the furrows as the ferns grow. These are technically the stems of the plants. During the dormant season (winter) the crowns store energy in the form of carbohydrates that allow the plant to keep growing from year to year. This is because female plants expend tremendous energy producing seeds and small, weedy seedlings that compete with established asparagus plants. . Thielim F1 hybrid - Early to crop and with a good yield this hybrid is a recent introduction that is less susceptible to Botrytis. UC 157 This is a hybrid asparagus that performs well in warmer climates. You can't go wrong with any of these hybrid varieties, but many gardeners like Jersey Giant for its high yield of male-only plants and tender, flavorful spears. Therefore, gardeners should only cultivate in the spring if it is truly necessary for removing the weeds in their patch, and if they need to add fertilizer. 12 . Hand-removal can also be used to eliminate any weeds that escape through cover crops and mulches. The varieties Viking KB-3, Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, and other members of the Jersey line tolerate crown rot. It also tends to grow larger crops the older it is; by the fourth season, you should see a very large and full crop. In this article, well take a closer look at these 10 asparagus varieties. You can learn more about how asparagus spreads in my article here. Instead, it is meant to kill the weeds by heating them to high temperatures. The plant itself can grow up to five feet tall while the asparagus itself can get to roughly nine inches in length. If purple asparagus doesnt sound appetizing, dont worry; the color fades when the asparagus is cooked. The stalks themselves grow to approximately ten inches long and they are very meaty and yummy. Best if grown in zones 3-10, this type of asparagus does well even in cold climates and is high in vitamins A, B6, and C. The Jersey Supreme, a fairly new variety, is also resistant to disease and produces a little earlier than the Knight or Giant does. Nevertheless, I have nothing at all against the Jerseys. Others are all-male, meaning they wont produce berries but they will produce more spears than female plants! In addition to soil quality, the slope of the land also impacts soil water drainage. Plant many Asparagus in several varieties, for example, Jersey Knight make thin sweet tender spears and plenty of them. Nitrogen should be added after planting, once the crowns begin growing. All your asparagus growing questions resolved. The most common insect pests on asparagus in Minnesota are the common and spotted asparagus beetles. They damage asparagus by feeding on the spears, resulting in browning and scarring. One of the New Jersey asparagus hybrids, Jersey Knight is extremely vigorous, has large, succulent spears, and quickly attracts a loyal following. Cultivating in the spring allows for the addition of fertilizer to the soil, but can also stimulate the growth of weed seeds that were previously buried. This productive variety will give you impressive yields each and every year. The purples are worth having also. Most gardeners primarily plant male plants, which produce larger spears in greater numbers. They photosynthesize for several months following the spear harvest season, transporting energy to the crowns for storage over the winter. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. It is These are open-pollinated varieties. I have both type, the Common were and worst, only a dozen or so Spotted. With a distinct flavor and tenderness, this type of asparagus is also great if you need to freeze it for any reason. If you want to read some of my most popular posts, check out the Best of GreenUpSide page here. Adaptable to most climates this variety is easy to grow My problem since yr 2 has been the beetle. For several years, University researchers have recommended the "all-male" hybrids from Rutgers, including 'Jersey Giant', 'Jersey Knight' and 'Jersey . Jersey King F1 hybrid - another hybrid with medium diameter stalks which are best harvested when they are about 7 inches tall. Nothing says summer like biting into a cool cucumber fresh from the vine. Hey you can sign up for our weekly gardening newsletter here! I have 2 boxes(4 x 16) of 4 yr old Martha and Jersey. You can learn more about how big asparagus plants get in my article here. Asparagus spears emerge each spring from underground buds. It grows vigorously The crown and root system can grow to a diameter of 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter. We are certainly interested in learning more about how these hybrid varieties compare when grown across Minnesota, specifically USDA zones 3 and 4. Crowns grow vertically and horizontally. Not sure why you feel that way as the vast majority of crop production is found in the southern climes, even as far south as Mexico and South America. They are a lot easier to find and usually cheaper. You should cut spears before they start to look like ferns, since they will become tough after they start to fern out. Highly Productive and Vigorous! Asparagus is a long-lived perennial vegetable so long-lived, in fact, that some types of asparagus survive for 20 to 30 years. learn more about Grande Hybrid asparagus from Gurneys. This presents an opportunity to trial asparagus varieties in Minnesota, although no formal plans for such a trial are currently in place. Asparagus spears only stop growing in fall after frost kills them. The second spring after planting crowns, if the plants were strong and healthy during the previous growing season, begin to harvest when the spears are six to eight inches long. The Jersey Giant is hardy and does well in most climates, including chilly and cool ones. To plant the crowns, place them "head-to-toe" (bud-to-root tip) in a line down the furrow, so that the buds of the crowns are spaced above 12 inches apart. The spears are not heat resistant, but Jersey Giant is well adapted to the South, as is evident by its inclusion on the recommended varieties list of ten Southern states' university . Royal Horticultural Society. It is not necessary to spread out the roots around the bud of the crown. Predominantly male, produces high yields, and . Jersey Giant asparagus is one of a group of three popular "Jersey" asparagus series, including Jersey Knight and Jersey Supreme. In spring, spears will start to emerge from the soil. Some are all-male varieties that produce lots of spears. After the asparagus patch is established, fertilizer, compost, or composted manure can be added either in early spring before spear emergence, or after harvest in late June or early July. If you require assistance finding where to order crowns for these varieties, you may contact Annie Klodd or Natalie Hoidal. Select the right variety of asparagus for Minnesota's climate. It is hardy in Zones 3 to 9 (as cold as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or -40 degrees Celsius). Jersey King F1 hybrid - another hybrid Male asparagus plants tend to live longer and produce more spears. Asparagus is a unique crop. Asparagus plants have deep root systems. (800) 777-2658. 'Jersey Knight' is one of the more vigorous types of asparagus; highly resistant to asparagus diseases such as crown rot, rust, and fusarium wilt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Many of the Jersey all-male varieties perform well in Missouri, including 'Jersey Giant,' 'Jersey Knight' and 'Jersey Supreme.' 'Apollo,' 'Atlas' and 'UC 157 F1' are also excellent hybrid varieties for warmer regions of the state. It starts to thrive in its second year after planting. Asparagus spears are a delight to harvest in spring. You cant go wrong with any of these hybrid varieties, but many gardeners like Jersey Giant for its high yield of male-only plants and tender, flavorful spears. Millenium - very nice chunky, a bit bitter raw, Mondeo - Incredibly tender, more stringy end, more delicate, more subtle flavour, bland, Pacific 2000 - Very tender, great flavour, similar to Mondeo for flavour, slightly bitter raw, Pacific Purple - bit watery, not as much flavour, more woody, bland, Stewarts Purple - not as watery as Pacific Purple, one of the nicest, very sweet. Asparagus will spread as it grows. Amazon.com: jersey giant asparagus crowns. We recommendplanting asparagus on a slight slope is recommended especially when heavier soils are present. The UC 157 asparagus is hybrid asparagus that does very well in warmer climates. rust. You should also be aware that all-male is still at best 75%. Amending the soil pH and organic matter based on the soil test. As asparagus plants age, they will send up more spears, since it has a larger crown and larger energy reserves. Purple Passion consists of both male and female plants. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This pale green, disease-resistant asparagus is both male and female. - this variety is a good choice for cold climates although it is The preharvest intervals for these two fungicides are 180 and 0 days . It has good resistance to rust, fusarium and crown rot, as well as medium green, large spears with good yields and taste. Nianyan Jersey Knight Asparagus 2 Year Old Plants Bare Root Crowns All Male 25 Count. But I'd agree that the DTM means little for the average home grower and is only important for the commercial or market grower. 5 Jersey Knight Asparagus Bare Root Crowns -Green Asparagus - Planting Ornaments Perennial Garden Simple to Grow Pots Gifts. After I read the info, still do not see the big differences between them. For example, Rutgers University released the "Jersey line" of male hybrids (e.g., Jersey Giant, Jersey Supreme, Jersey King and Jersey Knight). Then again, they are slightly later to emerge. Not positive though. learn more about how asparagus spreads in my article here. Recommended between-row spacing is four feet. Required fields are marked *. They grow well in sandy soils as well as in heavier clay soils. Specific epithet means sold in shops and was applied to plants with supposed medicinal properties. This year the initiative will be dedicated to a special cause: girl child. Using herbicides in garden-scale asparagus patches. If youre planning on starting a sustainable herb garden soon, basil is a must-have. Needless to say we didn't all agree! This variety also resists asparagus rust and fusarium rot, and is one of the most winter hardy varieties. It has dark-green spears with a little bit of purple on the bud scales and it has an especially high tolerance to fusarium. All rights reserved. learn more about Mary Washington asparagus from Eden Brothers. The spears emerge from underground buds at the base of the root system. Choose a fertile, sunny, well-drained site with soil that holds moisture well. spears up to 2cm thick and a high tolerance to Fusarium - crown and root Male plants grow a greater number of smaller, uniform spears. Walker Brothers has no plans to sell their existing breeding lines, so we do not anticipate a revival of these varieties. Planting at the right depth is important. It produces a good crop mid to late season and the Gijnlim F1 hybrid Early or mid season probably does not mean much here, a week difference? varietys and is good eaten raw in salads, sipped into dressing etc. Use caution with this step, as large clods of dry soil can break the brittle spears. From Left - Ariane, Millenium, Mondeo, Pacific 2000, Pacific Purple, Stewart Purple, Tesco's un-named!!! Excellent disease resistance. Prepare the planting area as described above. With its large, tasty spears, you can serve Jersey Giant asparagus alone as a green vegetable with little or no adornments, or as part of a more complex dish. To plant the crowns, place them "head-to-toe" (bud-to-root tip) in the furrow as shown in the photo below. In addition, the Purple Passion asparagus is one of the most tender and tastiest types of asparagus, much more so than many of the green varieties, which is one of the reasons why it is great for both salads and for cooking. Varieties recommended for Minnesota include: A planting of asparagus can last 15 years or more, so choose the spot for an asparagus bed carefully. Asparagus patches should receive at least one inch of water every week. Asparagus plants will often fall over once they mature. Small, narrow spears will start to emerge from the soil within 2-3 weeks of planting, depending on precipitation, temperatureand amount of soil cover. You might be surprised to learn that you can get asparagus in colors other than green, and that you can find all-male plants that produce more spears. Plants with all male flowers do not use energy on developing seeds and fruits. One spears are emerald green and it has an extra long harvesting season. Its extra-large, uniform, tender spears are good for fresh eating, cooking or making salads. The edible part of the asparagus plant is called the spear. These will become the rows that the crowns are planted into. Although commercial production in the United States is concentrated in California, Washington and Michigan, Minnesota's climate and soils provide an excellent environment for growing asparagus. If they show up while I am still harvesting I flick them into a bucket-o-water. I actually like Millenium over the Jerseys. Roundup) in and around asparagus at certain times in the season. It is very vigorous and high yielding. Do not use any fertilizer containing an herbicide (i.e. Another tells us the spears are thinner than those of Jersey King Asparagus spears begin to grow from the crown early in the spring. Asparagus spears are a delight to harvest in spring. The Jersey Series asparagus is a hybrid variety of all-male plants and includes Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, and Jersey Supreme. Do not cultivate the asparagus rows during the harvest season, when new spears are coming up every day. Other very important factors which vary according to the variety include flavour, tenderness, time of growth, suitability to different soils and climates and yield per plant. It usually grows between seven and nine inches long and is very meaty and tasty. Powered by sign up for our weekly gardening newsletter here! I get more/better spears, and they seem to handle insects a little better--not as much witches broom. Asparagus crowns should be planted 6 to 8 inches deep in light, sandy soils, but only 4 to 6 inches deep in heavier soils. The Apollo asparagus yields a large crop and blooms earlier than many other types of asparagus. They have a delicious flavor and have deep-green spears with tips of a light purple. Apollo This asparagus type performs well in both chilly and warm weather conditions. Continuous use of high phosphorus fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 15-30-15, or high rates of manure or compost can result in phosphorus buildup in the soil that impacts soil and plant health over time. Most asparagus growers plant hybrid varieties for their superior yields, uniform spear size, disease resistanceand all-male plants. good in poorer soils and is an all male variety of asparagus. White asparagus is grown in the dark, which is why it doesnt turn green. Soil pH ideally between 6.5-7.0. Prolonging the time between planting and covering can cause the roots of the crowns to dry out. Removing weeds by hand is still one of the most effective methods, especially in smaller asparagus beds. Because of this and a few other factors, white asparagus can be quite expensive up to double the amount you pay for other types of asparagus and it is actually considered a delicacy in Europe. Jersey Giant Asparagus Crowns for Planting Bare Root Plants Vegetables (5 Crowns 2yr) $18.99 $ 18. To find books, courses, seeds, gardening supplies, and more, check out The Shop at Greenupside! Hand removal is necessary to manage large annual weeds and perennial weeds. The cost to establish an asparagus field is substantial, so growers should have a robust management plan in place before planting. Typical cost 15 for 10 They grow well in sandy soils as well as in heavier clay soils. The Precoce DArgenteuil asparagus is tender and very tasty. Healthy, dense cover crops can help outcompete weeds, without disturbing the soil through cultivation. While open-pollinated varieties like Mary Washington, Martha Washington, and Purple Passion are also available, it is well known that open-pollinated asparagus varieties have lower yields and less consistent spear size than the hybrid options. Before planting asparagus, have yoursoil tested to see if the soil has the right amount of nutrients for asparagus to thrive. 'Millennium' has emerged as the top choice of asparagus varieties in the Midwest. Asparagus - Jersey Knight. Their graceful foliage is also quite attractive and is a feathery green color. some of their colour when cooked and are often eaten raw. All in all we thought that Stewart Pacific was very very good and all the greens were amazing and beat Tesco's offering hands down. These varieties can be damaged at -30 F if there is not enough snow cover. adaptable liking either clay or sandy soils. I have pretty heavy clay, and Millenium seems to tolerate that soil better. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. It comes from Canada and has excellent tolerance to cold winters. I think the "Jersey" designation means they are all-male varieties? The long thick Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, Jersey Prince, Syn 53, Syn 4-362, UC 157 and Viking KBC are new hybrids with larger yields. However, gardeners wishing to try starting asparagus from seed may follow these recommendations: Choose an area of the garden as a nursery bed. It is Rust can be controlled with sprays of myclobutanil or sulfur. We understand that many Minnesota asparagus growers have been relying on these varieties, and that the discontinuation of the Jersey varieties may be seen as an inconvenience. This happens at the end of each harvest season, and in newly planted asparagus stands that are not harvested. All rights reserved. All of the furrows may be dug before the first crowns are laid down. Therefore, push the mulch away from the rows in the early spring to allow the soil to warm and encourage spear growth. I am about to order replacements so I reading more about Mellenium . While annual vegetable crops can be moved if the first planting site doesn't work, asparagus cannot. Its popular in ancient Egypt as evidenced by a number of tombs with walls decorated with a bunch of asparaguses. . Additionally, soils covered in mulch will retain more water. Related:How to Store Asparagus | Side Dishes for Ham | What to Serve with Shepherds Pie | Vegetables and Herbs for Symbiotic Farming | Broccoli Alternatives. Discover how to grow, harvest, and eat good food from your own gardenwith our FREE e-newsletter, delivered directly to your email inbox. Cover crops: In larger patches, perennial cover crops (groundcover plants) can be planted between asparagus rows. You can unsubscribe at any time. When you choose thicker asparagus, the texture will be even more tender because asparagus has a fixed set of fibers that arent as obvious in thicker spears. 99. Pests (such as cutworms) may do damage that can make asparagus spears to grow crooked or fall over. The red berries you see on your asparagus plant are pods that contain several seeds. Small, narrow spears will start to emerge from the soil within 2-3 weeks of planting, depending on precipitation, temperature and amount of soil cover. Spears that are not harvested will keep growing and turn into ferns. By August, all of the displaced soil should be placed back into the furrow so the soil is level. Predominantly male, produces high yields, high disease tolerance and produces well in warmer climates. Eros F1 hybrid - The large purple green spears originate from Italy. If your soil test shows that the garden is high in phosphorus, use a low phosphorus fertilizer such as 32-3-10, 27-3-3, or 25-3-12, or use a non-phosphorus fertilizer such as 30-0-10 or 24-0-15 at the rate of pound per 100 square feet. High yields; produces very little to no seed. Model #NURSERY. It is also a very sturdy type of asparagus. If you can spot the yellow growth somewhere in the fall, you can go back in the spring and look for spears that will likely be growing by then.