[colin h]

I want to grow asparagus but am confused by ads which talk of 1 or 2 year crowns or plants. What's the pros and cons of 1 versus 2 year crowns and equally the pros and cons of crowns versus plants. Any advise appreciated.

[JayG]

Plants will be actually growing, crowns will be the dormant "root" (as in from about now to next spring.)

Whether plants or crowns they are usually planted in early spring - given that it will be at least 2 more years before you can realistically start harvesting, 2 year-old plants/crowns obviously save 1 year's waiting (but are more expensive.)

Personally I'd go for crowns, as being dormant you've got a longer period in which to plant them.

[Ice]

You can't crop them until the third year so it depends how long you want to wait as to what you buy.  I think crowns/plants are one and the same thing.

[cooperman]

the all important thing is that the asparagus beds  need plenty of preparation, do you need any advice on that aspect?

[Yorkie]

http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/aparagus/index.php

Always worth looking at for info 

[Salmo]

I also think that crowns and plants are the same thing.

Best time to plant is in the Spring. Producers lift them and hold them in a chiller so that they remain dormant and are available for planting up to mid-May.

The dutch hybrids can be cropped for about 3 weeks in the year after planting. Choose a sterile variety because they do not waste energy producing berries and the berries do not seed everywhere.

[gavinjconway]

It will be a matter of preference to wether you get crowns @ £1.50 - £3.50 each or go for a packet of 100 seeds for 99p + a bit of postage (eBay) and wait an extra year for the cropping. But if you dont want to wait the extra year go for the crowns...  2 year old crowns would be better than 1 year old but will be more expensive...

ps. Crown or plant is the same thing - just different terminology!!

[JayG]

There are a couple of online suppliers selling potted asparagus plants and I have seen the odd potted one in garden centres, but given that the crowns should grow to at least 2 feet across after 5 years I can't see how buying plants really "works" (they must be either very young or very crowded!)

If you do decide to buy plants make sure you don't buy asparagus fern by mistake (they are ornamental plants and you can't eat them!) 

[TerryB]

I always thought that plants were first year growth.
ie plants grown from seed that year.
If this is correct, you would have to wait 1 year longer with plants than 1 year crowns and 2years longer than with 2 year crowns.
You pays your money and take your pick.

[crh75]

According to the Organic Gardening Catalogue, one year old crowns establish better than two year old crowns.