growth
Asparagus officinalis develops an underground storage organ that forms roots up to three meters long. Fleshy shoots sprout from the rhizome and are occupied by spiral lower leaves. The shoots are whitish to pale reddish in color. Above the ground they branch out and form the plant stems with leaf-like branches.
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- What is the difference between green and white asparagus?
- Green asparagus for a high-yield harvest
development
During the summer months, the above-ground green parts of the plant produce carbohydrates through photosynthesis. These substances are stored in the rhizome in autumn so that the asparagus can sprout next spring. The more energy is collected in the storage organs, the more vigorously the asparagus shoots grow. Shortly before winter, the plant moves in and the above-ground parts of the plant die off.
harvest
The young asparagus spears are suitable for consumption. The harvest time extends from the end of March to the beginning of April. In the coming season the asparagus can be harvested for the first time, whereby you should let the asparagus plants grow undisturbed for another year for a better yield. Usually the harvest takes place from the third year of standing. Do not clear all plants at the same time. This gives the stock the opportunity to thrive more vigorously.
Greener vs. white asparagus
White asparagus must be harvested relatively early, before the shoots penetrate the earth. If they come into contact with sunlight, they develop a green color. These above-ground asparagus spears are known as green asparagus. Both belong to the species Asparagus officinalis.
Plant asparagus yourself
Asparagus rhizomes are allowed to migrate into the garden bed between the beginning of April and mid-May, while you plant out grown seedlings after the last frosts. A warm and not too wet soil provides a good basis for growth. Cold and wet substrates restrict growth, so that rot can quickly develop on the roots and rhizomes. Asparagus is commonly planted in trenches.
How to put rhizomes:
- Place green asparagus 15 centimeters deep
- White asparagus can grow up to 25 centimeters in the substrate
- Spread out the root shoots in a fan shape in the planting hole
- Cover the roots with a layer of earth eight to ten centimeters thick
Tips
As soon as the asparagus grows and becomes visible on the surface, fill the trench with fresh soil.
fertilization
The asparagus plants will grow in the same location for up to ten years if you create optimal conditions. Provide the bed with compost before planting, or sow legumes for one in the fall Green manure the end. After the asparagus plants die after the season, carefully work one Slow release fertilizer into the ground. Liming can be carried out every three years so that the environment has a pH value between 5.8 and 6.5.