Asparagus seedling, Brock – Asparagus officinalis

Description

Supplied as a first – year plant in a 5cm soil block

Note – Asparagus plants can take anywhere from 2 – 5 years to start producing spears

Description

Brock asparagus is renowned for being one of the fastest – maturing asparagus varieties, typically producing significant quantities of thick spears within it’s first 2 – 3 years.

Asparagus grows with a deep and resilient root system, producing attractive ‘ferns’ up to 3 meters high for the warmer months of the year. It dies back to ground level during cold weather but reemerges with Vigor as soon as the soil starts to warm up again. This growth pattern makes it an excellent ‘green wall’ plant, providing shade in Summer, as long as you have a structure to keep the ferns upright, and a way to keep the roots contained!

Spears can be harvested throughout the growing season, with the majority available just after the plant’s dormant period. It is often advised to allow all of the spears to develop into ferns for the first few years, to put you on the fast track to bumper harvests, however if you live somewhere with a long growing season, sneaking a few spears at the start of the season is not going to do any harm. Asparagus plants can live and continue producing spears for over 20 years.

Care

Asparagus tolerates part shade but thrives in full sun. Requires a well draining soil. Relatively drought tolerant once established, but will require watering during hot weather. Be prepared for 3 meter high ferns when planning your garden, as asparagus does need some space to get going.