Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus officinalis is a rare delicacy, yielding delicious and uniquely flavoured spears for a short time each spring. It's surprisingly easy to grow, thriving in well-drained soil in full sun.

Asparagus plants have pretty ferny foliage, and as such are equally at home in the herbaceous border as they are in the vegetable patch. Plants can be raised from seed but it's best to avoid harvesting the spears until plants are three years old, to help them become established. One-year old crowns can be bought for planting and will start cropping well within two years.

For best results grow Asparagus officinalis in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prepare the soil well, removing weeds and incorporating plenty of organic matter such as well-rotted compost or manure. Water well until plants have become established, and mulch annually with organic matter.