🍽 Overview
Crop: Asparagus
Common Varieties in OK: ‘Jersey Giant’, ‘Mary Washington’, ‘Purple Passion’
Planting Season: Early spring (late February to mid-March)
Days to Maturity: 2–3 years to establish; produces for 15–20 years once established
🎨 Trait Legend
Trait Symbol Meaning
🟦 Cool-season Best planted in early spring
🥬 Perennial veggie Comes back year after year
🟩 Full sun Needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight
⏳ Patience crop Requires multiple seasons to fully produce
📏 Spacing & Soil
Row Spacing: 3–5 feet
Crown Spacing: 12–18 inches
Soil Needs: Deep, loose, well-drained soil with compost; pH 6.5–7.5
Fertilizer: Compost at planting; side-dress with 10-10-10 in early spring
🌱 Cultivars We Recommend
‘Jersey Giant’ 🟦🥬⏳
Cold-tolerant hybrid with strong yields. Disease resistant.
‘Mary Washington’ 🟦🥬⏳
Classic heirloom. Tried and true for home gardens.
‘Purple Passion’ 🟦🥬⏳
Sweeter taste. Stunning purple spears. Turns green when cooked.
🧠 Tips
Plant crowns (not seeds) for faster production
Do not harvest until the second or third year
Leave ferns through summer/fall to feed next year’s growth
Keep bed weed-free to reduce competition
Once established, harvest spears daily for 4–6 weeks each spring