[Wavertree Red]

Hi,  I know similar threads have been brought up before but I found them unclear.

We bought 2 year old asparagus crowns in March.  Planted them as prescribed and everyone has come up and developed at least 12 inches of fern.  All good.

My question is do I need to prune the ferns down in the winter and is that classed as the first years growth?  Meaning next year would I be able to harvest say a spear per plant or should I leave it alone?

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

[mumofstig]

The RHS says

Allow the foliage of your asparagus plants to yellow in autumn before cutting it down to soil level for the winter.

Harvesting
Do not harvest for the first two years after planting. In the third year, harvest spears from mid-April for six weeks. In subsequent years you can harvest for eight weeks from mid-April.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/asparagus

[Wavertree Red]

Thanks MoS. I wasn't sure if cutting it down was just done with existing crops whilst a new bed needed time to build up its energy reserves.  Seems like both  .