About
Asparagus officinalis is cultivated primarily for its tender young shoots, commonly referred to as spears. This herbaceous perennial features light, feathery foliage that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters, adding visual interest to the garden.
About the genus
Asparagus consists of evergreen or deciduous perennials and subshrubs, occasionally exhibiting climbing habits, characterized by tuberous root systems. The stems feature small, scale-like leaves as well as larger, leaf-like phylloclades. These plants produce small white or pink flowers, which are succeeded by red berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- The young shoots (spears) are edible when cooked. Wear gloves for picking spears as they may a cause skin allergy. Fruits are harmful if eaten
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained soil, or in raised beds on light, sandy soil. Avoid frost pockets as spears are tender. Follow asparagus cultivation for more advice
- Pruning
- Cut down foliage in autumn, when yellowed, to 2.5cm above the soil
- Propagation
- Propagate by crowns. Although propagation by seed is possible, it is not advisable as seedlings take longer, and may not be male cultivars which produce better plants
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to foot and root rots and violet root rot