[Allotment Jon]

I planted a few weeks ago 3 asparagus crowns as they were reduced to 45p in my local garden centre and I felt sorry for them.

I noticed yesterday they have suddenly appeared and are about 3 inches high.

I have been told that every time they get to about 5 to 6 inch I have to cut them to just below ground level.

Is this correct as I only knew you had to cut them down at the end of the season.

[Pompey Spud]

Not in the first 2 years.  They need to get their strength.

[DD.]

That's what you do if you want to eat them, the cutting down at the end of the season refers to the full grown ferns, once they have died off.

If they were a bit sorry for themselves and given that it wasn't the ideal time of year to plant them, I'd leave them, and let them establish themselves.

[Goosegirl]

I planted my first lot of crowns in spring last year. I let the ferns grow and go yellow in autumn before cutting them off. This year, they sprouted again with several spears - some people cut one off each crown but I left mine so they will really bulk up for next year and I can have a good first harvest.