Asparagus Production - The Basics
What type of soil is needed for asparagus production?
This is somewhat variety dependant, but as a good rule of thumb, it is best to choose light, well drained, deep soils. If allowed, asparagus crowns will root down to a depth of 1.5 - 2.0m.
When is the best time for planting?
Asparagus crowns should be planted in the spring, with March/April being the most popular planting months. For best establishment, it is vital to plant when ground conditions are most suitable.
What is the best planting material?
Graded crowns planted in ambient spring conditions will provide the best chances of good establishment. In the past, large areas were planted with seed raised modules, however, the introduction of crowns has meant that the time from planting to first harvest is now reduced. Some plant types allow the grower to harvest for the first time only one year from planting.
What is the recommended planting density?
- Cultivar choice
- Row width
- Desired spear thickness (also influenced by planting depth)
- Growing system
- Intended market
It is possible to manipulate spear diameter by planting more crowns per given area; the higher the density, the thinner the spears that are generated.
Newly established areas in the open field producing high yields are now planted at densities between 25 - 40,000 per hectare. The five factors listed above need to be taken into account when choosing the optimum density.
More specialist intensive growing systems necessitate the use of greater crown numbers per hectare.
Consult with Hargreaves Plants to discuss further.
Which variety is best?
This is a regularly posed question and the answer will most likely differ according to each individual's circumstances. A range of colours, spear thicknesses, flavours, seasons, preferred soil types and head qualities is now available.
Again please feel free to consult with Hargreaves Plants for more information or to request a variety brochure.