Jersey Giant Asparagus

A superior all-male hybrid that consistently yields 2-3 times more spears than 'Mary Washington'. It is also resistant to rust, fusarium, crown and root rot. 'Jersey Giant' is the most winter hardy of all the Jersey Hybrids and it is widely adapted to temperate and cool climates. It produces medium to large (7-9 inch), green spears with purple bracts. They are often used for processing and for fresh market. Asparagus is one of the more permanent vegetable crops in a garden. It typically produces for 10-15 years. Asparagus is best planted as one or two year old bare root plants in early spring. HOW TO PLANT ASPARAGUS First, make a trench about 8 inches deep in soil with good drainage and plenty of sun. Add organic matter and a high-phosphorus fertilizer into the bottom of the trench. Asparagus plants are heavy feeders and will stay in the same soil for many years. Space plants about 18 inches apart in the row. Cover the crowns with soil and water moderately to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Gradually fill in the trench as the young plants grow. Do not harvest any spears the first year after planting. A light harvest can be made the second and third years. In subsequent years, the harvesting period should end by mid to late June to allow for vegetative growth and food storage.