About
Asparagus officinalis 'Pacific 2000' is a robust, all-male herbaceous perennial known for its high productivity. This variety features thick, upright spears that are consistently uniform and a mid-green hue. Developed in New Zealand, it stands out for its excellent flavor and a tender, stringless texture.
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
- Sand, Loam, Chalk, Clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 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 moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Plant one year old crowns or sow seed direct between March and April. Do not harvest in first year, half-harvest in second year and take a full harvest in the third year. See vegetable cultivation
- Pruning
- Cut a few spears, if any at all, in the first two years to allow the plant to build up strength. Cut the foliage 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 and slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to foot and root rot