About
Asparagus officinalis 'Backlim' is a hardy perennial valued for its tender young shoots, commonly referred to as spears. Harvesting occurs during the spring and early summer, after which the plant is allowed to develop into tall stems adorned with light, feathery leaves that might require staking for stability. This cultivar is entirely male, ensuring consistent production and is known for its dependable, mid- to late-season performance, yielding straight, flavorful spears.
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
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 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 fertile, well-drained soil, or in raised beds. Mulch in winter, fertilise in spring and keep weed free. See Asparagus (Grow your own)
- Pruning
- Cut down foliage to ground level once yellowed in autumn
- 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