Asparagus Jersey Giant

Jersey Giant Asparagus is a male hybrid garden plant. Its energy goes into producing spears rather that seeds as with female plants. A very productive plant: yields 2-4 times more spears than older varieties. It is also disease resistant, which is a bonus. NOTE: #1 bare root size is around 6" tall and wide.

• Sun : Full Sun
• Mature Plant Size (H x W): 3-4' x 1-2'

Key features

• Edible to People
• Attracts Butterflies

Planting Care

Planting & Care for Edible Plants & Asparagus

Preparation

• Asparagus needs plenty of room to grow.
• Pick a sunny location to plant.
• Make sure your soil pH level is around 6.5-7.0. If you’re not sure contact your local UW Extension office to help test your soil level.
• Asparagus is planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
• Asparagus does not like to have its feet “wet,” so be sure your bed has good drainage. For that reason, raised beds can be a good place to plant asparagus.

Pruning – After Planting

• Do not cut any new shoots, but allow the "ferny" foliage to grow and store food for next year.

Pruning – Through-out the Season

• Cut down dead foliage in late fall and side-dress with compost.

Harvesting

• Do not harvest the spears in the first year, but cut down dead foliage in late fall and side-dress with compost.
• Asparagus can take three growing seasons to harvest; you may be able to lightly harvest during the second year.

Watering – After Planting

Watering – Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.