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Post by oldmoleskins on Dec 14, 2006 11:31:15 GMT
I think this may be the place where I finally grow some asparagus... what's the concensus on best crown age for the impatient - and as I've got access to some established commercial asparagus beds, has anyone ever transplanted old and currently productive crowns and would that be quickest of all?
OM
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2006 22:53:08 GMT
I haven't done it myself but I know someone who has transplanted old crowns and thinned them out a bit....did it in Autumn.
I've planted my asparagus crowns 1YO crowns this year and hope to be harvesting next year...older crowns tend to suffer transplant shock which affects yields.
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Post by 4pygmies on Dec 17, 2006 7:50:04 GMT
The venerable John Seymour talks about digging up old asparagus beds and transplanting them to a hot house bed for an earlier crop. He doesn't mention whether this is a final flurry in the plants' life before the compost heap but I should imagine that's what he means. It might be worth a try OM with the commercial asparagus - asparagus a month earlier than usual would be a serious luxury! ("The Self Sufficient Gardener" by John Seymour is my bible). Old asparagus plants have a pretty massive root system by all accounts so moving them for long term production might not be worth the effort - I should think the shock to them might reduce the crop to such a degree you might as well not have bothered! Worth a try though while you make your own beds with 1/2 yr old crowns. I LOVE asparagus......can't wait for my first cut next year.
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Post by oldmoleskins on Dec 17, 2006 10:15:53 GMT
well, I wasn't so much concerned about getting a crop early (in the year) 4P, more early (as in not waiting the usual two or three years and resisting harvesting ) ziggy,....
so if JS says it can be done, I'll pursue the source of old crowns and bung 'em in - but with some new ones as insurance... have been thinking of getting a polytunnel, so I might try some in there too...
OM.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2006 12:20:42 GMT
OM Only just seen this thread, been abit busy lately. I have two asparagus beds at the allotment, Connovers Colossal and Franklim, I planted the CC bed first and bought 1 year old crowns. The first year after planting I harvested very lightly - one spear from each plant ( not much I know but very tasty). This year I cut more and I can't wait for next year when I shall go mad and cut as much as I can possibly eat!!  With Franklim I think it's best to wait 2 years before you start to cut, I shall be cutting it next year. Hope this may be of some help GH |
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