Asparagus, or garden asparagus, folk name sparrow grass, scientific name Asparagus officinalis, is a perennial flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus. Its young shoots are used as a spring vegetable.
It was once classified in the lily family, like the related Allium species, onions and garlic. However, genetic research places lilies, Allium, and asparagus in three separate families—the Liliaceae, Amaryllidaceae, and Asparagaceae, respectively— the Amaryllidaceae and Asparagaceae are grouped together in the order Asparagales. Sources differ as to the native range of Asparagus officinalis, but generally include most of Europe and western temperate Asia.[4][5][6][7] It is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.
Planting Instructions:
- Asparagus is more easily grown from 1-year-old plants called “crowns" which can be planted in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
- If starting from seeds, start them indoors in early spring and set out the seedlings when they are 12 to 14 weeks old, just after your last spring frost.
- Soak seeds in water for up to 24 hours before sowing.
- Sow seeds in moistened peat or seed-starting soil in flats or peat cups.
- Once plants reach 12 inches in height, harden them off outdoors for a week.
- After the last spring frost, transplant the young plants to a temporary garden bed. Once they mature in the fall, identify the berry-less male asparagus plants and transplant them to your permanent planting site, removing the less-productive female plants.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Asparagus" which is released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
Trade asparagus seeds online from members of Redhouse Greenhouse.