Asparagus seeds

[Claire Mummery]

Has anyone had and success with sprouting asparagus seeds. I have quite a quantity of them but as yet have had no luck germinating them. any ideas?

[Alan Henderson]

According to Geoff Bryant's excellent book, Growing Plants for Free in New Zealand:

1. Soak seed for 8 hours.
2. Keep at temperature 23 - 28 degrees.
3. Germination time 21 - 42 days.
4. Seed should be well-covered and/or kept in a dark place until germinated.

Hope this helps.

[James Samuel]

And the good folks up on Trig Hill Rd, above Onetangi grow a lot of A. Brian and Robin on 7662 have their contact details.

[Christy Ralphs]

I grew some two years ago from some kings seeds packets, i sowed them in about october i think. quite a lot germinated but didn't do anything special, so not sure if that is helpful!

[Claire Mummery]

Thank you all for your helpful tips I will let you know if I have any success when october swings around. Cheers Claire

[HELEN MACKENZIE]

ASPARAGUS GROWING TIME

1m2 will easily be occupied by an asparagus 'crown' at full production ... (5-6 years after seeding)

Year 1 ... seeding no production
Year 2 ... plant out seedling (crown) no production
Year 3 ... let plant go to 'fern' immediately in Sept ... no production
Year 4 ... Harvest 1 month Sept~Oct then let go to fern .... 5 spears plant ?
Year 5 .. Harvest 2 months Sept~Nov .... 10 spears per plant?
Year 6... Harvest 3 months ... Sept~Dec ... 15 spears per plant?
Thereafter full production should continue for 10 years or more ...

free draining soil is the key ... asparagus hate 'wet feet' and will rot out ...

[Claire Mummery]

HELEN MACKENZIE said:

ASPARAGUS GROWING TIME

1m2 will easily be occupied by an asparagus 'crown' at full production ... (5-6 years after seeding)

Year 1 ... seeding no production
Year 2 ... plant out seedling (crown) no production
Year 3 ... let plant go to 'fern' immediately in Sept ... no production
Year 4 ... Harvest 1 month Sept~Oct then let go to fern .... 5 spears plant ?
Year 5 .. Harvest 2 months Sept~Nov .... 10 spears per plant?
Year 6... Harvest 3 months ... Sept~Dec ... 15 spears per plant?
Thereafter full production should continue for 10 years or more ...

free draining soil is the key ... asparagus hate 'wet feet' and will rot out ...

[Claire Mummery]

Hey Helen, fantastic, thanks for all your valuable information, I have about 100 seeds and am happy to share