About

Asparagus officinalis 'Pacific Purple' is a prolific cultivar that generates stringless spears featuring a rich dark green and purple hue, typically harvested from April to June. This variety is noted for its tenderness and sweetness, often surpassing that of standard green asparagus. To preserve its vibrant color and flavor, it is best enjoyed steamed or eaten raw.

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

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