[seadart]

We bought some crowns for the lottie and when they arrived it said to put them into pots till spring. So we have, with the mild weather we are having they are sprouting! :shock: What do we do? keep them in the pots, cut the sprouts off, or plant them? Any advice greatly received  

[WG.]

Are they outside?

[seadart]

Yeah

[WG.]

I certainly wouldn't cut them.  Perhaps plant them out as soon as you have ground ready.

Disclaimer : I grew some from seed last year but other than that haven't grown asparagus.

[seadart]

Thanks WG, if they don't take it's not the end of the world  

[gobs]

I've never heard such advice(pots), but I also suspect they are garden centre or similar bought, otherwise the size of pot you would need!

Never been in this situ, but would advise to do what I would do, if the weather is mild, plant them out asap and let the roots stretch out well.

Saying this, because some of mine are still in the green and it is much easier to lose unrooted young plants to March frosts, which are usually worse here than Dec-Jan weather.

As WG says, leave the shoots alone, for the whole next year, too.

Good luck!

[seadart]

After a talk with OH we have decided to keep them at home in the garden at the back of a border they should look good  And get fresh crowns for the lottie later on.

[WG.]

You should also get seed to start your own crowns.  Don't know at what age though.

[gobs]

You should also get seed to start your own crowns.  Don't know at what age though.

At the age of 26.


Why should he get seed as well, WG? :?

[WG.]

I meant that the crowns he plants in his garden will produce seed that he can use later.

Pray pardon my ambiguous use of English  

[gobs]

I meant that the crowns he plants in his garden will produce seed that he can use later.

You might well be right there, 'cos even though everybody promises to sell you only male plants, I have one in the dozen, that bears berries. I don't know how commonly this mistake is made though.

Much poorer harvest on her, too.

[WG.]

Shows how much I know ... didn't realise there were male and female crowns.

[gobs]

Yes, that's the problem with seeds, apart from the extra wait, that if you get a lot of females, you won't get half as good harvest.

[Trillium]

I grow asparagus but never thought about male/female plants. I assumed they were unisex. But you're right to just plant them outside asap - those big roots they form really don't like moving around, and in pots they'd quickly become rootbound and do poorly. Never cut back the tops until you're doing spring garden cleanup. Some people cut in fall, but they cut too early so its best to just let nature do her own thing.

As for asparagus seeds, don't be a Scotty - just buy the seeds and plant anytime inside, then into the plot when weather and soil allow. Asparagus prefer soil a bit to the sweet/limey side, and loads of sand under the crowns for good drainage. And know that they really can't compete well with weeds. Once weed roots get tangled in asparagus roots, it's a beast to clear them.

[DD.]

As for asparagus seeds, don't be a Scotty - just buy the seeds

BUY the seeds :?:  :?:  :!:  :!:

If you've read the Swop Shop & Recycle Forum, you'll know I've been trying to GIVE the things away :!: