Planting Asparagus. An ancient, sustainable, and highly profitable crop.

Planting asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is one of the crops that offers us great opportunities and resources, not only economically, but also as an opportunity that, within our agricultural projects, will provide us with new skills and capabilities to take a step forward in our future plantings.
The value of this ancient perennial herbaceous crop is being rediscovered and harnessed in today’s agriculture for multiple reasons, including its low environmental impact, low maintenance requirements, high nutritional and medicinal value, its suitability for rotations and soil ecological sustainability, and its high value in global markets, as we will explore in this agricultural section. Welcome again.

Historical background of Asparagus.

The origins of Asparagus officinalis, the asparagus, date back to ancient times, when it was highly valued and used for culinary, medicinal, and symbolic purposes. This tells us that planting asparagus has served as an almost magical connection between haute cuisine (as it was considered a delicacy of kings and gods), sacred offerings for funeral rites that are still imprinted in many pictorial reliefs, as an essential ingredient in herbal remedies, and as an organic and sustainable crop for generations.

In Ancient Egypt, the earliest surviving records mark the beginning of the cultivation of this wonderful plant, as it appears depicted in various frescoes. Images of bunches of asparagus leave their mark on the walls of pharaonic tombs as a sacred, guiding, and protective plant, and it was a key component of traditional therapeutics of the time. It is known that asparagus was widely used in special preparations for kidney ailments, digestive system disorders, and as a diuretic due to its natural properties, as we will explore here.

In Ancient Greece, asparagus was known as asparagus and was considered a particularly healing and health-promoting plant. Hippocrates used it for digestive treatments and to improve and regulate kidney function. During that period, asparagus was planted primarily to supply the upper classes, as its cultivation depended on the seasons, and since it was relatively scarce, it was generally harvested wild.

Ancient Rome exalted asparagus and made it an exclusive product for elite cuisine. It was here that frequent cultivation began and a specialized system was developed, with the first use of ridges as a planting method, and the consumption of asparagus began as part of imperial cuisine. This plant was so highly valued that it was even stored in the snow of the Alps to keep it fresh out of season.

Pliny the Elder, a key historian of the time, makes special reference in his “Natural History” to the variety of asparagus native to the Po Delta, describing its thickness, texture, and flavor.

In medieval European monasteries and in Islamic territories such as Al-Andalus, asparagus continued its lifespan and evolution, as the botanical process of its cultivation began to be studied. It is known that medieval herbalists used asparagus in cleansing preparations and to treat urinary tract conditions.

During the Renaissance and the Modern Age, asparagus once again became a dish exclusive to European nobility and was known as the “delight of kings.” Planting asparagus was essential in royal gardens and specialized orchards, and varieties began to be studied and produced to obtain better plant resistance, as well as optimal size and flavor.

During the 18th century, its popularity spread to northern Europe, and in England and Germany, it became a favorite crop among the upper classes. This recognition led to the passion for planting asparagus reaching the Americas through European settlers.

Links of interest:

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus_officinalis

https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:531229-1

Agronomic characteristics and suitable environments for planting asparagus.

This vegetable can generally remain active for 8 to 12 years, making its life cycles long and highly desirable for developing medium- and long-term agricultural maps. It is a highly resilient perennial that can sprout every year from its deep roots, but during the winter, it must undergo a dormant period to renew and accumulate the energy it needs to produce high-quality shoots for the next spring season.

Let’s study what turions are:

At the beginning of spring, young, edible shoots emerge. These shoots, called stalks, are the tender part of the asparagus we eat and develop after each plant’s winter dormancy. If left unharvested, they will grow into branched, leafy stems, allowing photosynthesis to occur and storing reserves for the following season.

These shoots are created by planting the deep, robust roots (crowns) of each asparagus on raised, elongated mounds of soil; these mounds, known as ridges, serve to promote the shoots’ vertical and healthy development toward the light. They also serve as thermal insulation, especially in cold and frosty climates, and by being raised above the ground level, they prevent waterlogging around the root system.

Now, let’s take into account two variables that we must manage depending on how we have decided to manage our asparagus crop:

Let’s review the green shoot first. This initial shoot thrives in direct sunlight. As it photosynthesizes, it acquires its characteristic greenish hue and will have a more intense, slightly herbal flavor. It should be harvested when it reaches 20 to 25 cm in height.

The white shoot will grow buried or covered with biodegradable paper mulch to avoid direct sunlight. It will not photosynthesize, which is why it has a pale hue. Its texture is more tender, its flavor more delicate, and we will harvest it before it reaches the soil surface.

If we want to produce white shoots, it’s ideal to extend the ridges with biodegradable paper mulch to simplify and control sustainable management, and achieve excellent, guaranteed results.

In both cases, the shoots should be 20 to 25 cm long, 1 to 2 cm in diameter, firm, upright, and without opening or branching. That is, the tips should be tightly closed, indicating their freshness.

Let’s see how to form a ridge:

• It is advisable to till the soil to at least 40 cm deep to remove compaction, hard or plastic materials, debris from previous crops, and any possible remnants of pests or diseases.
• We pile up the tilled soil until it reaches a height of 25 to 30 cm and a width of 50 to 70 cm. To take advantage of daily sunlight, we must orient each ridge north/south. This can be done manually with hoes, or, if planting asparagus on large areas, with appropriate machinery.
• It is advisable to form the ridges before each harvest, to visualize and verify that they are properly arranged.
• An optimal soil for planting asparagus will be light, loose, sandy loam, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and with good drainage capacity that allows for the healthy and robust development of its root system.
• If we have compact or clayey soils, we will redesign or amend the composition by adding sufficient organic matter or sand, as well as agricultural lime or sulfur if necessary, and we will measure and correct the pH each time until reaching the levels required for planting.
• We will also guide and calculate direct sunlight exposure between 6 and 8 hours daily so that we can produce high-quality shoots.

This interesting video shows us how to plant asparagus in pots and the agronomic description of this herbaceous plant:

Biodegradable paper mulch for planting asparagus.

An important detail that we must take into consideration is that biodegradable paper mulch is ideal for spreading comfortably over the ridges, and thus we will avoid unforeseen problems such as puddles that can cause diseases, the appearance and proliferation of weeds that have remained in the soil or that are visible, and in turn it will allow us to balance the humidity levels from the beginning until the harvest time of our asparagus, protecting them from climatic variations.

Buy Novamulch biodegradable paper mulch here for planting asparagus!

Compatible and recommended crops and associations for planting asparagus.

Because it is a long-cycle herbaceous plant with perennial production, we must create a roadmap for planting asparagus, considering the crops that are compatible with it, so as not to hinder its optimal development. By doing this, we will gain advantages such as improved soil health, avoiding water stress, and also the unwanted invasion of some pests. However, if we use biodegradable paper mulch from the beginning of our plan, we will eliminate these drawbacks. At the same time, this material has the unique ability to biodegrade, becoming a powerful nutrient that respects our ecosystem.

Now, if we plan to grow additional crops to our asparagus, we must study their compatibility and ensure the success of our planting by spreading paper mulch over the ridges. Let’s see:

Carrots, lettuce, spinach, beets, and strawberries coexist in harmony with our asparagus, providing biological balance to the soil, strengthening its structure and increasing its fertility.

• The thin roots of carrots provide good soil aeration.
• The rapid growth and shallow roots of lettuce make excellent use of growing space before asparagus takes over.
• The short cycles of spinach will allow for a good harvest before the asparagus shoots sprout their first shoots in the spring.
• Beets, on the other hand, have a main root that in no way interferes with the structure of the asparagus ridges.
• And strawberries will serve as excellent cover during the first years of asparagus cultivation, preventing the invasion of weeds that could cause unforeseen and unwanted problems.

If we take advantage of these compatibility factors, we will receive significant economic and ecological benefits throughout the long cycle of our asparagus, and if we consistently use biodegradable paper mulch, our produce will be rewarded with optimal profitability and high quality.

• Additionally, aromatic herbs such as basil, parsley, and dill are harmonious combinations and act as natural repellents against pests such as thrips and aphids.
• Flowers such as marigolds and nasturtiums attract beneficial insects and help maintain the ecological balance against pest infestations, especially during sensitive periods of asparagus growth.
• Finally, we should avoid planting asparagus in areas near crops such as onions, garlic, tomatoes, eggplants, and potatoes, as they tend to compete with the root system and cause damage and deficiencies in the soil. They can also be prone to fungi that are harmful to our main crop.

Biodegradable paper mulch will allow us to achieve a considerable improvement in soil quality. Knowing that planting asparagus is a long-term process, we must take advantage of our soil by supporting this prolonged development with compatible species and harmonious short-cycle associations that, in conjunction with mulch, will produce an increase in the quality of our agricultural roadmap.

Which edible varieties of asparagus are our best choice?

Before planting asparagus, it’s essential to be clear about the habitat we’re creating to successfully achieve our plan. This means creating a map that includes the standard climate and temperature variations for the area where we’ll be planting, harvesting, and storing, the soil conditions we have, and the available growing area.

Furthermore, we will consider that this is a long-term project, and we must have compatible crops or asparagus plantings at spaced and staggered intervals to achieve continuous production, since our initial investment must cover the necessary requirements for at least the first stages of our project.

We’ll research the type of market we want to access if we’ve decided to market our product, and whether our production system will be conventional or organic. Keep in mind that choosing the right asparagus planting determines our profitability and quality.

Considerations such as the color and size of the shoots (green, white, purple), the conditions of our planting, acclimatization and the ability to combat the invasion of unwanted agents, and the natural resistance of each variety will be crucial in our roadmap.

Below we present the most widely cultivated varieties of asparagus today.

UC-157. A highly productive green asparagus, one of the best-known and most widely cultivated varieties in many countries. Native to the University of California, it is suitable for temperate and warm climates and highly valued in fresh produce markets. It is suitable for long summer climates and large-scale production.

Large F1. Large asparagus with intense green tones, tightly closed tips and a tender, firm texture:

• It is a first-generation hybrid that seeks to maximize shoot size and quality, improve resistance to common diseases, and increase adaptability to different soil types and irrigation systems. The shoots are straight, thick, and uniform.
• It is very suitable for fresh consumption or light processing, and is especially valued in the American and European markets, in direct and high-quality sales, and in organic farming.

Atlas F1. This green asparagus is highly resistant to water and heat stress; therefore, it is highly valued in Mediterranean regions and semi-arid zones with hot summers and limited irrigation. The shoots are large and grow quickly.

Dariana Asparagus. It produces thick, robust shoots. This green asparagus has high production potential and is highly attractive commercially. It enjoys considerable demand in export markets and in the premium fresh produce segments of gourmet markets.

Thielim asparagus. This variety is a mixed variety: green and white, a hybrid, highly resistant to disease, and adaptable to the production of both types of asparagus. This depends on how the crop is planned. It is highly recommended for diversifying market offerings and is very versatile to meet diverse commercial expectations.

Purple Passion asparagus (Violetto d’Albenga). This variety has an intense purple hue, a sweet flavor due to its high sugar content but lower fiber content. This Violetto was first cultivated in Italy, near the town of Albenga, and is ideal for fresh consumption and highly appreciated in specialized and gourmet cuisine.

Suitable environments for planting asparagus.

In this agricultural area, we’ve studied the appropriate soil types and proper preparation for planting asparagus. But we have even more opportunities to benefit from this very special crop.

In this agricultural area, we’ve studied the appropriate soil types and proper preparation for planting asparagus. But we have even more opportunities to benefit from this very special crop.

Plant asparagus in open spaces.

We already know that these beautiful plants are a long-term prospect and will remain in the same location for around ten years; that’s why we must design a specific area for them, preferably without nearby crops that could compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

We are also aware of the need to prepare the ridges, arranged in separate rows and covered with biodegradable paper mulch to prevent the appearance and proliferation of weeds or unwanted invasions. At the same time, this material helps us maintain the natural balance of the soil and the necessary moisture during the cultivation process. By naturally biodegrading, it will form an optimal nutrient layer.

Let’s make the following note: once the biodegradation cycle is complete, we recommend spreading a new paper mulch to maintain the proper protection and balance for planting asparagus. Today, this crop, grown on large tracts of land and for commercial purposes, has established itself as a highly profitable and sustainable investment, with high demand in both domestic and international markets. With the help of paper mulch, the return on investment will be very attractive compared to our initial costs.

Planting asparagus in home gardens and small spaces.

As we’ve seen, asparagus is usually grown outdoors, but we can also enjoy and benefit from planting it in smaller spaces, such as home or community gardens, balconies or terraces, and pots.

Here we show you how to plant asparagus in raised beds:

How to plant asparagus in our family garden?

Today, we have the freedom to grow our most beloved plants at home, and if we so desire, we can achieve a good return on investment and continued profitability without leaving home.

Any variety of asparagus adapts to our habitat, as long as we follow the correct protocols to ensure our project achieves excellent results. Once again, we must point out here that the lifespan of asparagus is a long journey, which is why we will locate our crop in a specific area that meets the required basic conditions.

One of these conditions is the depth of the soil, as this plant has long roots, so it will need to be placed in deep soil, at least 40 or 50 cm, so that the root system can develop healthily and robustly.

When choosing between crowns (one-year-old roots), seeds, or seedlings, it is advisable to opt for crowns because of how practical they are for our small spaces.

So, we prepare the furrows or holes 20 to 25 cm deep, place the crowns, spreading their roots, and cover them lightly, as we’ll be adding more soil as they develop. We irrigate the soil lightly and keep the soil protected with biodegradable paper mulch to avoid inconveniences and save ourselves from higher expenses than we had planned. We need six hours of direct sunlight daily.

If we are going to plant asparagus in pots, it is important that they be at least 40 cm deep and the soil should be loose, mixed with composted soil, coconut fiber, and coarse sand, to allow for proper aeration and drainage.

During the first year of cultivation, we won’t harvest. Each asparagus needs to strengthen its root system, and this takes time. In the second year, we can harvest some shoots, and starting in the third year, we’ll harvest completely during the spring.

Once we’ve harvested, we’ll allow the uncut shoots to develop into leafy asparagus stalks so the roots stay nourished, as we discussed earlier. By consolidating our crop, we’ll be able to harvest annually without having to repeat the planting process.

Planting asparagus this way allows us to be part of an ecological and sustainable agricultural culture, with the help of our protective aid, biodegradable paper mulch. It’s also a great opportunity to teach and share with our little ones and our community members, connecting with the long cycles of nature, developing our capacity for observation and our ongoing dedication to keeping our agricultural project alive and healthy.

Important information: We should not plant asparagus near potato and garlic crops, as they are not very friendly with each other. In the fall and before winter, we will add compost and humus, remove dry foliage, and renew our biodegradable paper mulch before spring.

Climates suitable for planting asparagus.

Among the agroclimatic requirements of these perennial plants, we’ll first address sunlight exposure. Asparagus requires between 6 and 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, so we should plant them in sunny areas so they can develop healthy, robust shoots.

The ideal temperature for optimal growth is between 15° and 25° C, and provisions must be made for the period during which asparagus enters dormancy. This refers to the winter rest period during preferably light frosts, where it stores enough energy to produce the first shoots in spring.

Planting asparagus in climates subject to constant winds requires the use of windbreaks or natural barriers. In these cases, the asparagus plants risk breaking and will not be able to sustain the necessary reserves.

Later, we’ll show a calendar that can serve as a guide for both determining the right planting season and managing the crop at each stage.

Fertilization and maintenance of asparagus crops.

Planting asparagus requires special care when it comes to fertilizing and maintaining good crop quality, from the beginning to harvest time.

Since we are dealing with a perennial crop that can have a useful life of up to ten years, this is where we will be committed to implementing sustainable and continuous methods from the first year of life, as this is how we will obtain highly profitable and productive results on this long but enriching journey of planting asparagus.

Let us then study what requirements this plant asks of us.

During the development and production stages, we need to apply nitrogen, which helps shoot development and the formation of all the plant mass that will grow above ground. We know this plant mass as aboveground biomass, and it comprises the entire plant structure, starting from the stems.

When not harvested, the young shoots or sprouts will form leafy stems called asparagus. These shoots photosynthesize, capturing solar energy and converting it into nutrient reserves, which they store in the root system, in the crown of the plant. All of this will serve as a vital and energetic foundation for the next production cycle.

This means that it is advisable to allow the asparagus to fully develop until pruning them in the fall, so that we can achieve a better quality next crop.

Phosphorus (P) is essential for the full development of the root system and the accumulation of reserves in the plant crown. Correct doses of Potassium (K) allow the plant to increase both its resistance and the quality of its shoots.

Now let’s note the secondary nutrients, which are also important for maintaining the health and quality of our crops: magnesium, calcium, and sulfur.
It’s essential to keep a log or crop diary at all times, in which we record nutrients, pH, correct irrigation measures, weather variations, and all the other care and variables that occur during the course of our project.

Before planting asparagus, we will incorporate mature compost or well-rotted manure, both dry and loose, taking regular measurements to make the necessary amendments. During the first year of cultivation, we should add slow-release fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium, and, as explained above, we will apply the appropriate doses of nitrogen.

During the productive years, at the beginning of the shoots, at the end of the harvest, and if necessary, before the winter dormancy, we will apply fractional nitrogen, and we will also reinforce the plants’ recovery by monitoring potassium levels.

Planting asparagus in an ecological context.

If we have designed asparagus planting in a sustainable format that respects our ecosystem, we will use vegetable compost and organic slurry as essential nutrients, and we use biodegradable paper mulch to fully protect and balance the development and growth systems, as well as ensuring adequate moisture, soil health, and control of unwanted invasions.

We show this information about organic asparagus farming:

Harvest times for asparagus.

Here we’ll outline an itinerary to help us ensure we do what’s necessary within the correct timeframe to harvest our asparagus. We’ll harvest between March and June, depending on the area and local climate.

In temperate or Mediterranean climates, we begin harvesting at the end of winter or early spring. In the fall months, when we notice the foliage drying, we prune the dead stems at ground level and remove all plant debris to prevent potential disease.

However, during the first year of life, the crop will not be disturbed unless additional adjustments are necessary, such as replacing the paper mulch if it has biodegraded, analyzing the soil composition to maintain nutrients within normal levels, and checking the soil moisture level. During this first year, we will give our asparagus’s root system and crown a chance to strengthen.

During the second year of cultivation, we will harvest lightly for a few days, always with a view to protecting the energy accumulation the crowns need to produce better-quality fruit.

For the third year and beyond, we can harvest the entire crop and repeat this every spring for six to eight weeks. At the end of the season, we prune, removing the stems. This schedule works for us in any environment where we plant.

In the northern hemisphere, the appropriate time to harvest depends on the area and the local climate, but in general, it can be done between March and June, and in temperate or Mediterranean climates, we will begin harvesting at the end of winter or the beginning of spring.

It is recommended to harvest daily or every two days if we have achieved high production, and depending on the variety we have selected and the management we have given to our crop, we will harvest for 6 to 8 weeks.

The asparagus is ready to cut when the tips are closed and solid. Each stem should be upright, firm, with no signs of flowering or opening, and measuring between 20 and 25 cm in length. We’ll cut at ground level, or we can cut slightly below the ground without damaging the crown. We’ll remove the harvested shoots from direct sunlight and refrigerate them immediately to maintain their freshness.

Let’s see this very interesting piece of information:

And here’s another interesting video on how and when to harvest asparagus:

Proper storage for asparagus after harvest.

Our asparagus are delicate vegetables, especially after harvest. In approximately 24 hours, they can lose up to 50% of their freshness and firmness, their water content, texture, and flavor even as they continue to breathe. This process can lead to dehydration and aging of their structure. Therefore, it is essential to refrigerate them between 2° and 4° C as quickly as possible after harvesting.

Here we show various ways to keep asparagus in proper condition:

Store vertically and with humidity.

We place them in a container upright. We add 2 or 3 cm of potable water, and we can also wrap the base of the stems with a slightly damp cloth or paper towel. Then we store them in a perforated bag or a sealed, but not airtight, container; it should have air vents to prevent moisture from accumulating. This allows them to breathe. This way, we’ll prevent them from rotting and maintain sufficient hydration. With this method, we’ll keep the asparagus in good condition for approximately 5 to 7 days, as long as we keep them refrigerated.

Good information here:

Frozen asparagus.

We wash and trim the woody ends, blanch the shoots in boiling water for 2 or 3 minutes, remove them, and quickly submerge them in ice water. Drain well and freeze in airtight bags. This way, they can be kept in good condition for approximately 8 to 10 months.

Let’s look at these steps:

Common pests and diseases of asparagus.

Being a particularly hardy vegetable that adapts to less than ideal climates and areas, asparagus is not immune to pests and diseases.

Let’s review the pests that harm asparagus.

Asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi).
Visible symptoms: Irregular spots along the stems, defoliation, and clearly visible damage to the shoots.
Pest description: An elongated, reddish-colored insect with black spots that feeds on leaves and stems.
Solution: Manually eliminate the beetle in home gardens and small areas, use color traps, and biological control by introducing beneficial insects.

Asparagus fly (Platyparea poeciloptera).
Visible symptoms: Twisted or broken shoots with internal galleries.
Pest description: The larva burrows into the shoots and feeds from within.
Solution: Remove damaged stems, till deeply to stop the life cycle, and monitor continuously during the spring and summer seasons.

Mites and thrips.
Visible symptoms: yellowish spots on leaves, deformation, stunted growth.
Solution: Maintain adequate relative humidity, use potassium soaps or natural extracts such as neem.
Biodegradable paper mulch to reduce pest harborage in the soil.

Common diseases in asparagus.

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. asparagi).
Visible symptoms: yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant from the base.
Transmission: Through the soil, especially in areas with poor drainage.
Solution: Avoid waterlogged soils and rotate crops, which means not planting asparagus in the same area after harvesting for at least 8 to 10 consecutive years. Add mature compost and improve soil drainage.

Rust (Puccinia asparagi).
Visible symptoms: orange or brown spots on stems and leaves, plant weakening.
Favorable conditions for the disease: high humidity and moderate temperatures.
Solution: adequate ventilation between plants, removing contaminated debris, and applying natural preparations or organic preventative treatments.

Rhizoctonia.
Visible symptoms: The base of the stem rots, and the plant becomes progressively weaker.
Solution: Spread biodegradable paper mulch to prevent moisture buildup, regulate irrigation, and analyze and measure the appropriate nutrient doses to gradually strengthen the plant.

Prevention as the best tool to avoid pests and diseases.

Yes. Before starting our asparagus planting project, we must conduct a well-documented and thorough study of the potential challenges we may face.

First, after choosing the right environment and the necessary elements to grow crops with optimal results, we’ll use our main aid: biodegradable paper mulch.

This material maintains the constant moisture balance our plants require, inhibits the emergence and proliferation of weeds, prevents soil compaction and cracking, and biodegrades, becoming an excellent organic nutrient for our future crops.

In the case of our asparagus, we’ll replace the paper mulch once it has degraded, and it will immediately begin to fulfill its purpose. We’ll also keep the crop in conditions conducive to its growth: clean and well-ventilated.

We should intercrop beneficial plants in our main planting, and in this case, marigold and basil are particularly positive combinations. If we live in areas prone to contamination or invasion by pests common to our perennial herbaceous plants, we especially recommend highly resistant varieties such as UC-157 and Grande F1.

Final thoughts.

Planting asparagus is the beginning of a great adventure. It’s the start of a long journey that will teach us the benefits and magic of nature, and with our own effort and dedication, we will acquire skills we never imagined we would develop: adaptation and learning.

This agricultural roadmap we have chosen presents us with the opportunity to contemplate and nurture our asparagus crop over a long period of time, sharing and enjoying it with our loved ones. We will go far beyond the daily grind of farming. In this long-term project, we will likely forge beneficial partnerships and create hopeful communities connected to the magic of the land, our land.

So, let’s continue this journey and much success!