Asparagus - Crown Production

Hargreaves Plants is currently producing asparagus crowns in two distinct geographical areas.

UK Production

Demand for a UK grown product led Hargreaves Plants to start producing asparagus crowns itself in 2004.  Output now reaches 4 million crowns, notably none of these were the Dutch hybrids from the -lim series. 

Production takes place on deep sand lands in the west of Norfolk.  These soils have been chosen for their ability to generate a high quality root system that can be harvested on almost any spring day.  All production, harvesting and and grading operations are carried out in house.  Soils with a previous history of asparagus crowns are not used when drilling a new crop. 

The company is aware of grower concerns that imported material has the potential to harbour certain disorders not known or unwelcome in the UK.  Hargreaves Plants' Norfolk produced asparagus crowns reduce these possible risks.  The production blueprint includes pre-planting soil tests for pests, diseases and nutrients as well as the use of high quality seeds.  UK produced crowns also preclude the currency risks involved with imported crowns.

Varieties in production include the full range of Hargreaves Plants' exclusives.

Dutch Production

Hargreaves Plants can also offer contract grown Dutch asparagus crowns.  These are raised to recognise quality standards according to industry protocols.  The following varieties of asparagus plants are available:

• Avalim
• Backlim
• Gijnlim
• Grolim
• Herkolim
• Thielim

The production fields are visited regularly and the contractors readily respond to agreed inputs.