Asparagus - what's meant to happen?

beckstrous

I would appreciate some advice on what we're supposed to do with our asparagus crowns if anyone can help...

We planted 10 on Easter Monday, but only 5 have come up. Does this mean the other 5 will not?

Of the ones that are up, they're mostly quite spindly, apart from one, which is now quite high and is turning into a sort of fern. Should I be doing anything with any of these?

I am not sure what to expect, or whether the ones that haven't come up never will, so if anyone has experience I would much appreciate it. :-)

rhiwfield

I dont know whether the 5 crowns that have not yet produced spears will come up but dont disturb them or they never will.

One year old crowns should ideally be left uncut for 2 years, then start to crop for a maximum of 6-8 weeks ending mid June. You cut all spears during this period, even spindly ones, to promote new buds to produce spears.

Young crowns produce spindly spears and need the establishment time before that first cropping to build up strength. When cropping the season is short to allow the subsequent fern like foliage to build up the plants strength for the following years season.

The foliage will prob grow about 3 feet high and is susceptible to wind damage rocking the plant and leading to roots rotting. They will prob need support of some kind.

beckstrous

Thanks. I had no idea you needed to support the plants. My book doesn't really say - it just says to leave them alone.

So does this mean I shouldn't cut it back at all, not even in winter?

Wookey

It will turn brown and die of in the autumn, thats when you cut it back.

beckstrous

Ah, okay - thanks.

bottlehalffull

Yes the foliage dies back.
Unless there's a lot I wouldn't worry about tidying it away.

lunar

I put 2 second year asparagus crowns in last month that I was given by a friend. Looking at them today one has 5 small spears starting to appear, and im just wondering if I need to do anything as I know the asparagus season has finished now.

Can I harvest them when ready or should I just let them die back in autumn? or should I remove the spears now? Sorry for being so clueless, but I have no idea on this one.

This pic is from today if it helps

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lunar

Bumping this to see if anyone can help