[mrsparkle]

Hi,

I've just decided to grow Asparagus and picked up six crowns from Wilkos yesterday for a few quid.  Has anyone ever grown these and would they come with a firm recommendation?  It doesn't have a variety on it, it simply says 'green' (not inspiring me with much confidence)

Assuming, as I already am, that the Wilko 'green' variety will suck can anybody advise a good variety to grow?

I've heard you can purchase F1 types that are all male (or is it female) and offer the maximum number of spears.  Are these recommended at all?


Also... does anybody else suffer from the asparagus urine smell?

Mark

[Kristen]

I've seen these folk recommended:
http://www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/

you might like to have a look at the varieties they offer and the Pros + Cons.

The F1 are all male. The females shed seed, which means that they spread and need weeding out.  I think the male spears are also supposed to be fatter.

An Asparagus bed will crop for 20 years, or more. And you get nothing for the first couple of years. May make sense to spend some money on the best possible crowns therefore?

I grew mine from seed, so I'm not walking-my-talk! though.

[mrsparkle]

I've seen these folk recommended:
http://www.asparagus-in-kent.co.uk/

you might like to have a look at the varieties they offer and the Pros + Cons.

The F1 are all male. The females shed seed, which means that they spread and need weeding out.  I think the male spears are also supposed to be fatter.

An Asparagus bed will crop for 20 years, or more. And you get nothing for the first couple of years. May make sense to spend some money on the best possible crowns therefore?

I grew mine from seed, so I'm not walking-my-talk! though.

just took a quick look and it seems the minimum order is for 10 crowns and i've only space for 7.  Doh!

[Kristen]

Sorry to hear that. Probably worth using them to see if you favour a particular variety - you can probably buy it elsewhere in small quantities. Or given them to an unsuspecting mate as a present!

[mrsparkle]

Sorry to hear that. Probably worth using them to see if you favour a particular variety - you can probably buy it elsewhere in small quantities. Or given them to an unsuspecting mate as a present!

do you know if the types on this website are all male?

[Kristen]

Gijnlim and Backlim are all male varieties.

[mrsparkle]

Great

I'll try and make space for 10 plants on my plot, however, I don't think my stomach will have space for that must asparagus

I don't suppose you have any advice regarding the best kind of multi purpose compost to use to bulk my soil out as it is rather heavy?

My soil is quite fertile so I wondered if a mix of cheaper 'own brand' compost mixed with some better john innes type will do the job (perhaps with a bag or two of building sand mixed in).

Should I create a different post for this question perhaps...  :blink:

[gillie]

"Also... does anybody else suffer from the asparagus urine smell?"

We call it Asparagus Pee.  It is a genetic peculiarity.  I am not sure whether the gene is for the production of the odour or for the ability to detect it.  It is perfectly harmless.

[spud]

just took a quick look and it seems the minimum order is for 10 crowns and i've only space for 7.  Doh!

If you fancy those, I'd buy the other three from you!

Cheers

 

[Yorkie]

just took a quick look and it seems the minimum order is for 10 crowns and i've only space for 7.  Doh!

If you fancy those, I'd buy the other three from you!

Cheers

 

Have you forgotten the No Selling rule on these forums, spud?  The one that can get you banned?