[boddy]

I've been looking at asparagus crowns to buy online. Some are advertised as male. Does this mean I need a female too? I'm confused. Also if I buy some two year old crowns might I get some produce next year?

Thank you

[Hampshire Hog]

As far as I am aware the only reason for having male asparagus is they don't create lots of extra plants in the bed.
You certainly don't need to have female ones too male on their own are ok. I would wait a couple of years after you plant them to start cropping if you want to get them properly established.
Cheers HH

[fatcat1955]

I thought that you got more usable spears from a male plant whereas a female plant also sends up seed stalks.

[Trillium]

The male plants are preferred because they don't set any seeds which steals energy from plants. Without seeds you get bigger stalks faster. I've been trying to get hold of Jersey Giant Supremes myself (all male plants) but the suppliers are always sold out very fast. Seems everyone has the same idea   

[gavinjconway]

As trillium said it's just for the non seed producing aspect... but on female plants you can just strip the seed berries off when they start..