Here are some FUN facts about Asparagus: Asparagus is a member of the lily family, which also includes leeks, onions, garlic, and tulips, and for many gardeners, is the first official sign Spring has Sprung.  Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that is a perennial, meaning that it can grow for several years and produce a harvest each year. The word "asparagus" comes from the Greek word "asparagos," which means "sprout" or "shoot." The oldest recorded recipe using asparagus is from Apicius, a Roman cookbook dating back to the 3rd century AD. Asparagus is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is also a good source of antioxidants. White also known as blanching asparagus is grown by covering the spears with soil, which prevents them from turning green due to chlorophyll in the shoots which is derived from the sun. This technique is used in some countries, such as Germany and France. Asparagus can grow up to 10 inches in a single day under ideal growing conditions. Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that contains the compound asparagusic acid, which is responsible for the unique odor in urine after consuming asparagus. Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, roasting, sautéing, and boiling.  

Now Lets Grow Asparagus.

Starts:  Growing asparagus from seed is possible, but it is a much longer process than planting crowns. It can take up to three years before you can harvest asparagus from seed-grown plants. Here are some tips for growing asparagus from seed starting indoors and then transplanting.

Start indoors: Asparagus seeds can be started indoors in late winter or early spring, about 12 weeks before the last expected frost. 

Use a seed starting mix and plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep. 

Transplant seedlings: When the seedlings are about 8 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots or a seed tray with plenty of space to grow. 

Keep them in a sunny, warm location and water regularly. 

Harden off seedlings: Before planting the seedlings outside, they need to be hardened off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside in a sheltered location for a few hours a day, and gradually increase the amount of time they spend outside over the course of a week. 

Prepare the soil: Asparagus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. 

Plant seedlings: When the seedlings are 1 to 2 years old and have developed a strong root system, they can be planted outside. Dig a trench that is about 6 to 8 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. Plant the seedlings about 6 to 8 inches apart and cover with a few inches of soil. 

Care for seedlings: Keep the seedlings watered and mulched to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in midsummer. 

Wait for harvest: It can take up to three years for seed-grown asparagus plants to produce a harvest. During this time, allow the plants to grow undisturbed and do not harvest any spears.  Growing asparagus from seed takes patience, but it can be a rewarding experience. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown asparagus. 

Direct Sow:  While it is possible to grow asparagus from seed directly in the soil, it is generally not recommended as it can be a challenging process. Asparagus seeds have a low germination rate and can take up to three weeks to sprout. Additionally, the seedlings are delicate and can be easily overwhelmed by weeds or other plants. 

If you do decide to try growing asparagus from seed directly in the soil, here are some tips: 

Choose the right location: Asparagus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a location that receives full sun and is sheltered from strong winds. 

Prepare the soil: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. The soil should be loosened to a depth of at least 6 inches. 

Plant the seeds: Sow the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water well.

Keep the soil moist: Asparagus seeds require consistent moisture to germinate. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, until the seedlings emerge. 

Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to about 6 inches apart to give them room to grow.  

I know this sounds like a lot of work, but it will produce for tens years or more once it is established.  The nutritional value of Asparagus is amazing, especially the mineral content found due to unbelievably large root system up to 6 foot across and 10-15 feet deep.  These vegetables can reach minerals few plants outside of large trees can reach.

Get your heirloom Asparagus Seed here at Clearwater Valley Farms- https://clearwatervalleyfarms.com/shop/ols/products/mary-washington-asparagus