When should newly planted asparagus make an appearance?

gusto66

Hello All

I planted 12 1yr crowns of asparagus (bought from a reputable supplier), in late feb. Having soaked them overnight, I dug deep trenches, raised a little in the centre and laid the crowns out - buds to the top and roots spread like octopi either side of the mound. I then filled the trenches with a mixture of green waste compost and sandy/gritty topsoil, ratio 30:70, covering the heads of the crowns by about 2". Naturally over the following weeks, the soil settled some more leaving a very short depth to the crowns. Will this affect their growth badly?

I have since added more topsoil giving them a depth of between 4" and 6" from the surface.

I am concerned that non have made any sign of appearing yet - while my in-laws, who have established beds, are getting a good crop already. I am aware not to harvest this year.

When should I start to worry?

Michael196 · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 9:13 am Post subject:

hi gusto

I also planted in feb this year and I think I can see 1 crown breaking through.

I remeber from Gardeners world that it is possible to see nothing above ground in the first year, as the tentacles establish themselves.

your inlaws have established beds wile your is only establishing. Patience is required with asparagus

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:24 pm Post subject:

asparagus should be appearing overground in the next week or ten days. if the plant is alive and to survive for another year the fern must emerge no matter how weak. it is highly unlikely that all the crowns have died and failed to emerge. Root away a small portion of soil very gently near one of the crowns and see if there is shoot and root activity. if there is neither by early may then start worrying. I think they will be alright.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (rtd)

gusto66 · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:12 am Post subject:

Looks like one of the babies (a purple one) is poking its little head above ground - so I have hope for the rest - I was worried that when I initially soaked them before planting, the water might have been too cold for them.

verge · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:08 am Post subject:

If you get a chance post a pic or two of the "babies" gusto66.
Info on pic posting in my sig.

gusto66 · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:36 am Post subject:

Hi Verge

Here's the little fella! Only one at the moment - the other 11 are being very lazy.

verge · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:26 am Post subject:

That's him alright. Here's hoping you get the full twelve apostles.

Lia · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 8:22 am Post subject: Shy asparagus

I only planted mine in early March. I had a careful little look at the root this morning and there doesn't seem to be much happening.

Am I still in the running, or is there any hope???

gusto66 · Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 8:43 am Post subject:

Hi Lia

I bought three varieties, two green including Connovers colossal, and one purple. So far, only the purple has made an appearance - there's no sign of the others, so I have the same concerns as you. What varieties did you plant and where from?

Michael196 · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 9:50 am Post subject:

had a look in the last few days and finally shoots are emerging .

Lia · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 3:52 pm Post subject: Non appearing asparagus

No idea what type of asparagus I got unfortunately!
Still no sign of it.

Daithic · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 10:46 pm Post subject:

I put down 7 crowns in March 3 x Connover's, 2 x purple (can't remember name!) and 2 x F1 hybrid. I saw nothing for weeks then one of the CC'c popped up its head and then decided to keel over! Since then five plants have made an appearance, most with two ferns. One of the CC's made a good appearance and is about 3 feet tall now. I have not seen the early riser since. Is its appearance a sign of possible life next year?