Last Updated on July 28, 2021 by
Asparagus has been considered one of the finest table delicacies since the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Yet strangely enough, asparagus grows wild around the coasts of Europe and in other sandy places. In fact, it is so common on the steppes of Russia that the cattle pasture on it!
Of the 150 species of asparagus widely distributed in tropical and temperate countries, many species are only cultivated for ornamental purposes. Wild asparagus grows on the south coast of England.
The remarkable thing about the asparagus plant is that it produces both the tender shoots which we eat, and the fern-like foliage which we use for decorative purposes. Asparagus for the table is cut while the leaves are still in bud and the shoot is less than ten inches high.
Asparagus is a member of the lily family and has many varieties.
If it is left to grow, it becomes a plant two or more feet high with spreading branches bearing small, white flowers and brilliant, red berries. When the crop is gathered, some of it is tinned, and some rushed fresh to city markets where it is sold in bunches. In Europe, asparagus is often dried so it can be used in the winter.
Even though asparagus is delicious, and can be used to make soup, or eaten hot or in cold salads, it provides very little nutritive value because of its large water content.
Asparagus may be grown from seeds, or roots may be planted in a shallow trench which is later filled in gradually. The soil must be deep, rich, and sandy. If the plant is allowed to grow for three years before it is cut, it will continue to an annual supply for some nine years or more, but the soil must be fertilized every year to maintain a good yield.
FAQ
Is asparagus easy to grow?
Asparagus (also called asparagus fern) is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Asparagus is a perennial plant you can plant in the spring. It’s easy to grow and can be in full production within a few weeks. If you want to start with something easy, you can always start with asparagus.
Does asparagus like sun or shade?
Many people are confused about asparagus, especially since the vegetable can be found in a few different climates. Legend has it that asparagus grows in the shade or in the sun, which is true, but there is a second tale—this one true—that says the vegetable likes to be in the shade. If you’re not sure how to grow asparagus, it’s probably because you’ve heard from everyone from your grandmother to the next man in line that it likes the sun.
Does asparagus need lots of water?
does asparagus really need lots of water? The answer is a resounding yes.
What month do you plant asparagus?
Every year, the farmers start to plant asparagus in the spring. In order to get the most out of this spring vegetable, it is important to know the right time to plant asparagus. Many people plant asparagus in the spring, but exactly when is it the best time? Some people plant asparagus in the fall. If you plant asparagus in the fall, you can get asparagus until the beginning of spring.
