Use caution with this step, as large clods of dry soil can break the brittle spears. The purples are worth having also. Model #NURSERY. Pacific Purple F1 - This variety is from Normally, only female asparagus plants produce these red berries or seed pods. In summary: The producer of asparagus crowns for asparagus varieties Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, and Jersey Supreme has stopped propagating these varieties. Planting mistakes are costly because they can impact yield and crop health for years to come. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. In the first year of harvest, only pick asparagus for two weeks. Best In Zones 2 - 9 Description: 1 year . NOTE: #1 bare root size is around 6" tall and wide. After I read the info, still do not see the big differences between them. is mild and nutty and the sugar content is 20% higher than many others. There are female plants and male plants. Ferns are an important part of asparagus production. Their stalks are medium to large in diameter and they have tints of purple at the very tips. Nitrogen should be added after planting, once the crowns begin growing. This happens at the end of each harvest season, and in newly planted asparagus stands that are not harvested. Cultivating too deep, or at the wrong time in the season, can damage the crowns and emerging spears. This year the initiative will be dedicated to a special cause: girl child. Jersey Giant asparagus is one of a group of three popular "Jersey" asparagus series, including Jersey Knight and Jersey Supreme. Its extra-large, uniform, tender spears are good for fresh eating, cooking or making salads. Cultivation (hoeing and tilling): Cultivation is an effective weed management tool for vegetable gardens in general, but be cautious when using it in asparagus. support@foodgardening.mequoda.com. Some gardeners will not harvest during the second year at all, preferring to allow the plants to build more strength before finally beginning to harvest in the third year. Adding a fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium to the furrows at the time of planting will help make sure the plants can access adequate nutrients as they grow. The Jersey Giant is hardy and does well in most climates, including chilly and cool ones. 2023 One Some hybrid asparagus varieties have been bred to provide male only asparagus plants. $14.88 $ 14. This asparagus type is resistant to most asparagus diseases, including fusarium rust. The name of the asparagus means in part early so if you arent very patient, you wont have to wait very long for this type of asparagus to be harvested from your garden. If the soil test indicates phosphorus or potassium deficiencies, incorporate the first inorganic fertilizer or compost applicationin the fall or spring before planting. Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, Jersey Prince, Syn 53, Syn 4-362, UC 157 and Viking KBC are new hybrids with larger yields. These roots grow tall stalks that can yield up to 3-4 times more asparagus than other varieties. Good soil drainage. Discover how to grow, harvest, and eat good food from your own gardenwith our FREE e-newsletter, delivered directly to your email inbox. It usually grows between seven and nine inches long and is very meaty and tasty. Asparagus grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.5 to 7.0 and does not tolerate extremely acidic soils. Its ability to flourish both in the garden and the kitchen makes it a popular choice for beginners and pros link to Cucumber Trellises (5 Ways To Support Cucumber Vines), link to How To Grow Basil (5 Tips For Growing Basil). Water immediately after planting. Its foliage grows in shades of green, up to 5 feet high. Adaptable to most climates this variety is easy to grow in humus composted soil. Growers planning a new asparagus field should prepare the field in the year prior to planting. Put them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer. 04--Jersey Supreme Asparagus Jersey Supreme is the first of the Jersey varieties to be ready for harvest, a full 7-10 days before Jersey Knight or Giant. You can learn more about how asparagus spreads in my article here. The best you can hope for is some tolerance for the common fungus issues of rust and fusarium that exist in all soils and as with most fungus diseases, weather is the enemy we have to contend with there, not the variety. Avoid areas with shallow soils, or soils prone to water-saturation. If your soil test shows that the garden is high in phosphorus, use a low phosphorus fertilizer such as 32-3-10, 27-3-3, or 25-3-12, or use a non-phosphorus fertilizer such as 30-0-10 or 24-0-15 at the rate of pound per 100 square feet. Apollo This asparagus type performs well in both chilly and warm weather conditions. Asparagus 'Jersey Knight'. Common diseases of asparagus include Fusarium crown rot, asparagus rust, and Stemphylium purple spot. There are two times when asparagus beds can be cultivated: Before the spears come up in the spring, and after all of the spears are harvested but before ferns come up in late June. Hand-removal can also be used to eliminate any weeds that escape through cover crops and mulches. China is the worlds largest asparagus producer with nearly 7 million tons each year. It also performs equally well in heavy, clay-like soils. Male asparagus plants tend to live longer and produce more spears. Jersey Giant - this green hybrid asparagus variety has good disease resistance and is mostly male, but the plants are not heat-tolerant, so you may need to harvest when the spears are a bit shorter to avoid tough spears and ferning. Following the steps outlined in planting a new asparagus crop will help ensure that your investment pays off. Millennium has been grown in Minnesota for a number of years with success. It can grow in both cool and warm climates as long as it is exposed to at least six hours of sunlight a day and it is drought-tolerant. 99. Prepare the planting area as described above. and great flavour. Jersey Knight, I believe, is the earliest. Jersey Supreme is a newer, disease-resistant variety that produces spears earlier than Giant or Knight. Supreme is an excellent choice for light, sandy soil. Asparagus spears are the part of the plant that goes to harvest but the ferns, crowns and seeds are just as important. Here is what we found in a very unscientific blind testing. Jersey Series This all-male series of hybrid asparagus varieties include Jersey Giant, a hardy plant that performs well in chilly climates. Since asparagus is a long-lived perennial crop, proper site selection is important. It is a traditional form of asparagus that grows long and uniformly. Watering during the harvest season may also increase yields in very dry years. You should cut spears before they start to look like ferns, since they will become tough after they start to fern out. While open-pollinated varieties like Mary Washington, Martha Washington, and Purple Passion are also available, it is well known that open-pollinated asparagus varieties have lower yields and less consistent spear size than the hybrid options. They have a delicious flavor and have deep-green spears with tips of a light purple. Its popular in ancient Egypt as evidenced by a number of tombs with walls decorated with a bunch of asparaguses. It is highly disease-resistant. All in all we thought that Stewart Pacific was very very good and all the greens were amazing and beat Tesco's offering hands down. For several years, University researchers have recommended the "all-male" hybrids from Rutgers, including 'Jersey Giant', 'Jersey Knight' and 'Jersey . If so, please share it with someone who can use the information. Avoid planting in heavy clay or very sandy soil. Yields are lower than the Jersey varieties, but they are very cold hardy. Viking is known to produce large yields. Healthy, dense cover crops can help outcompete weeds, without disturbing the soil through cultivation. I'm in Zone 6, temperate or cold? Consisting of both male and female plants, the Purple Passion asparagus actually gets lighter in color when you cook it. Get it Wed, Jun 29 - Wed, Jul 6. Asparagus is great to have in a spring garden, and once established, the plants can produce enough spears for weeks of fresh eating! Choose its spot in the garden carefully. These buds and roots are called "crowns." The preharvest intervals for these two fungicides are 180 and 0 days . The Jersey varieties are popular and very high yielding. You should also be aware that all-male is still at best 75%. The edible part of the asparagus plant is called the spear. If planting multiple rows, space the furrows at least 3 feet apart, because the plants will spread as they age. Some very old publications and online gardening blogs may say to spread out the roots of the crowns like an octopus during planting, but this is an outdated, unnecessary practice. Genus name is the classical name of this plant. The rest of the remaining soil will be added to the trench a few weeks later, once the ferns have emerged and grown. Nianyan Jersey Knight Asparagus 2 Year Old Plants Bare Root Crowns All Male 25 Count. They also prefer full or partial sun. Varieties recommended for Minnesota include: A planting of asparagus can last 15 years or more, so choose the spot for an asparagus bed carefully. I have 2 boxes(4 x 16) of 4 yr old Martha and Jersey. Keep the nursery bed free from weeds, as the asparagus seedlings will not be able to compete with strong weed growth. Tolerant of rust and fusarium, the UC 157 asparagus is uniform in both size and color and it is a perfect type of asparagus to grow commercially because of its high yields. Typical cost 10 crowns for 15. This information came through conversations with asparagus colleagues at Michigan State University and Nourse Farms. Horticultural Society. The spears emerge from underground buds at the base of the root system. Asparagus Varieties in Preparation for Tasting, We've been reviewing crown and seed suppliers to help you buy online here. The asparagus itself gets to roughly eight inches while the plant can grow up to seven feet tall. Nevertheless, I have nothing at all against the Jerseys. Other very important factors which vary according to the variety include flavour, tenderness, time of growth, suitability to different soils and climates and yield per plant. Two-Story 5-Bedroom Mountain Home with a Bar (Floor Plan), Homestratosphere's Editorial Staff & Writers, Vegetables and Herbs for Symbiotic Farming, earlier than many other types of asparagus, The Ultimate Guide to Bedding: Understanding the Differences Between Duvets, Comforters, Blankets and Quilts, Get Cozy: 24 Trending Rustic-Style Primary Bedroom Ideas to Transform Your Space, Craftsman Style and Comfort Combine in Ranch Floor Plan Featuring Open Concept Living, 14 Laundry Detergent Alternatives that Skip the Harmful Chemicals, Craftsman-Style Ranch Floor Plan Features Timber Accents and Large Kitchen. Availability: In stock. In addition to having a higher yield the male plants have no seeds to drop and seeds produce seedlings that will affect the size and yield of spears produced by the planted crowns. Asparagus spears are a delight to harvest in spring. Connovers Colossal This asparagus variety is bright green with purple tips, produces a good Jersey GiantAn asparagus cultivar that has a moderate yield with extra large spears, but adapts well to the south. To find books, courses, seeds, gardening supplies, and more, check out The Shop at Greenupside! Jersey Knight is one of the more vigorous types of asparagus; highly resistant to asparagus diseases such as crown rot, rust, and fusarium wilt. Usually, you harvest asparagus during late spring, in May and into June. Predominantly male, produces high yields, and . If the asparagus bed is to be part of a larger vegetable garden, the best place is at the north end of the garden, so that the tall ferns do not shade the other crops. Whilst some varieties are naturally taller or thinner than others growing conditions also affect the shape of the spears. It has thicker spears than either This type of asparagus was developed in 1978 and is one of the most popular types of asparagus, if not the most common. rot. Mequoda Publishing Network Asparagus spears emerge each spring from underground buds. Enjoy! Emerges as spears for harvest at desired thickness. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is one of the earliest harvested vegetables each spring. Add the fertilizer alongside the row of plants and scratch it in lightly. Another modern hybrid is Jersey Knight, which has become a standard variety for gardeners, especially in the North. Another tells us the spears are thinner than those of Jersey King In addition, the Purple Passion asparagus is one of the most tender and tastiest types of asparagus, much more so than many of the green varieties, which is one of the reasons why it is great for both salads and for cooking. This means that for the most part, crowns of the "Jersey" varieties are no longer available for growers to order. In this article, well take a closer look at these 10 asparagus varieties. There are several different hybrid "Jersey" asparagus varieties, Jersey Knight, Jersey Supreme, Jersey Giant, Jersey Prince, may be more. Home gardeners can use glyphosate (i.e. On the planting day, begin by digging furrows (trenches) for the crowns. spread of complementary varieties. Jersey Knight, (F1) Asparagus Roots The Jersey Knight asparagus is a very productive and great tasting plant. Purple asparagus isnt only different because of its color but also because of its content. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The goal of the breeding program was to create a male variety of asparagus that produced more . It produces a good crop mid to late season and the While annual vegetable crops can be moved if the first planting site doesn't work, asparagus cannot. Food Gardening Network and Food Gardening Magazine are registered trademarks of Mequoda Systems, LLC. If they have not received an inch ofrain in the last week, soak the soil with water. It is one of the few perennial vegetables grown in Minnesota; others include horseradish and rhubarb. Buy the best from our Asparagus Farm that digs your roots fresh every day. It can grow in most types of climates and it can be harvested once the stalks are pencil-thin. Eros F1 hybrid - The large purple green spears originate from Italy. See the photo below: An asparagus plant can last 15 years. Note where comparisons were made the names of the varieties were not used but we worked it out from the numbers we gave each one. It's so reliable and always in demand--and I only have to work hard on it for a month or so. For example, Rutgers University released the "Jersey line" of male hybrids (e.g., Jersey Giant, Jersey Supreme, Jersey King and Jersey Knight). It is pale green in color and very resistant to various diseases. I actually like Millenium over the Jerseys. While all the Jersey varieties as well as Mellenium and even Purple Passion routinely surpass the old varieties of Martha and Mary Washington they still require good soil, proper spacing, sufficient and timely nutrient and water support, and careful pest control. Once the spears are sturdy and several inches tall, 3-4 more inches of soil can be back-filled into the furrow. Once the spears are sturdy and several inches tall, several more inches of soil can be back-filled into the furrow. To plant asparagus, place crowns in a trench 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 inches deep. In Minnesota, asparagus is planted from early May to the first week of June. Soils with a pH slightly above or below are not ideal, but can still be suitable for asparagus with liming or other amendments. You should only can asparagus if you can process it in a pressure canner. Additional methods include well-timed hoeing, flame-weeding, cover crops, and careful use of select herbicides. learn more about Purple Passion asparagus from Stark Brothers. Some Minnesota growers use custom equipment to dig furrows, while most others use a single-bottom plow or a potato hilling disk. The only difference between green and white asparagus is the color because white asparagus has the same taste and texture as green asparagus, provided that it is the same or a similar variety. learn more about Mary Washington asparagus from Eden Brothers. Typical cost 15 for 10 best. Not positive though. In addition, because it tends to have more sugar than other varieties of asparagus, it is also much sweeter in taste. All of the furrows may be dug before the first crowns are laid down. I can say I appreciate the information on the Mellenium variety. It is a sturdy plant that produces large crops and it is a very tasty vegetable that can be harvested early. As the soil is removed from the trench, set it directly to the side. For more than one hundred years, the Mary Washington type of asparagus has been very popular in the United States. If youre planning on starting a sustainable herb garden soon, basil is a must-have. This setting should only be used on your home or work computer. Jersey Giant F1 hybrid Well also answer some common questions about asparagus plants. Asparagus spears can as tall as 7 feet (2.1 meters) high. Spears that are not harvested will keep growing and turn into ferns. Cucumber Trellises (5 Ways To Support Cucumber Vines). Hand removal is also the safest way to keep weeds out of the rows during the harvest season (May-June). Jersey Knight Asparagus Plant. . Do not let the crowns dry out between placing them in the furrows and covering them with soil. It is a well tried We were a bit underwhelmed by Pacific Purple. Jersey Giant asparagus is one of a group of three popular Jersey asparagus series, including Jersey Knight and Jersey Supreme. With its large, tasty spears, you can serve Jersey Giant asparagus alone as a green vegetable with little or no adornments, or as part of a more complex dish. To plant the crowns, place them "head-to-toe" (bud-to-root tip) in the furrow as shown in the photo below. Appreciated for its uniform size and delicious flavor, Mary Washington has been a favorite of American gardeners for more than a century. Growing well in all growing zones, the plant itself gets to roughly three to four feet in size when fully mature, including the actual vegetable, and it is often found in farmers markets and other local markets. Jersey Giant Asparagus Crowns for Planting Bare Root Plants Vegetables (5 Crowns 2yr) $18.99 $ 18. One of the New Jersey asparagus hybrids, Jersey Knight is extremely vigorous, has large, succulent spears, and quickly attracts a loyal following. adaptable liking either clay or sandy soils. learn more about Erasmus asparagus from Gurneys. Werling mentions that it may be slightly slower to ramp up to high yields, but then makes up for that by yielding heavily over a 15 year lifespan. I think the "Jersey" designation means they are all-male varieties? In fact, male asparagus is favored so much more that there are now new hybridized male asparagus plants that produce larger yields. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. It can grow in heavy, medium, or sandy soils, as long as the soils must be well-drained and do not exhibit pooling water after rains. Despite their large size, they remain tender and have a great flavor; they are sure to attract attention whether it's at your farm stand or dinner plate. $42.95 $ 42. Having said this there are some hybrid varieties that do not produce predominantly male plants but that are well worth planting for their special qualities. The best asparagus varieties to grow are: Conovers Colossal, Erasmus, Grande Hybrid, Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, Jersey Supreme, Mary Washington, Millenium, Purple Passion, & Spartacus. I have some of the Jersey varieties and will be preparing a new bed and was considering the Mellenium. Mary Washington is a traditional variety that produces long, deep green spears with pale purple tips. Any suggestions for vombatting these beggars. Begin harvest two years after planting crowns, three years after planting seeds. Food Gardening Network is an active member of the following industry associations: Food Gardening Network Soil moisture is importantfor good root and fern growth in asparagus. I have pretty heavy clay, and Millenium seems to tolerate that soil better. Walker Brothers has no plans to sell their existing breeding lines, so we do not anticipate a revival of these varieties. in humus composted soil. voted the best in commercial grower tests in 2006. Leaves and stems may yellow and die back. The Apollo asparagus yields a large crop and blooms earlier than many other types of asparagus. Following correct planting methods for asparagus is important for this long-lived perennial crop. Weeds compete with asparagus for soil nutrients, water, and light, so managing weeds will help support a more bountiful yield of spears. It is also a distant cousin of the onion and considered a part of thelilaceaefamily. What are the differences of the Jersey's vs. the Millennium? At both times, the cultivation must be very shallow, less than 2 inches deep. Do you grow Jersey Giant asparagus? After the asparagus patch is established, fertilizer, compost, or composted manure can be added either in early spring before spear emergence, or after harvest in late June or early July. resistance to rust. Description Huge crops! A new asparagus bed may take several years before abundant, thick spears are produced. Then, dig a 6-12 inch deep furrow (trench) for the crowns to be planted into. Jersey Giant makes short thick spears. If so, please tell us your top tips for ensuring a delicious harvest. Asparagus growing in sandy soil should be watered more than once per week in the absence of rain, and heavy clay soils may not need to be watered as often. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); With your FREEBIE, youll also receive regular email messages from the Food Gardening Network. A 2013 trial by Terry Nennich in northern Minnesota found that its yields surpassed the Jersey varieties by almost two-fold (Millennium: 2094 lbs/acre; Jersey Giant 1287 lb/acre; Jersey Knight 1233 lb/acre). Use a perennial cover crop mix including species like fescues, perennial ryegrass, and clover that are hardy in Minnesota. Following correct planting methods for asparagus is important for this long-lived perennial crop. Their feeding can also cause asparagus shoots to bend over making them look like a shepherds crook. With a smooth appearance and nice, even stalks, this type of asparagus is dark green in color and does best in either warm or cool climates. During the dormant season (winter) the crowns store energy in the form of carbohydrates that allow the plant to keep growing from year to year. The crown and root system can grow to a diameter of 6 feet (1.8 meters) in diameter. The crown is the belowground part of the asparagus plant that includes roots, rhizomesand buds. 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