We’re passionate about asparagus! Explore Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply’s selection of asparagus plants, including popular varieties like Jersey Knight and Purple Passion, and discover how to grow, enjoy, and savor this nutritious vegetable.
Varieties At Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply:
Jersey Knight Asparagus
- Description: Known for its tender, uniform spears and excellent disease resistance.
- Care Tips: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Keep well-watered during the growing season.
- Benefits: High yields of delicious asparagus spears year after year.
Purple Passion Asparagus
- Description: Distinctive purple-hued spears with a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Care Tips: Similar planting and care requirements as Jersey Knight. Enjoy the unique color in your garden!
- Benefits: Adds a colorful twist to dishes and contains anthocyanins, antioxidants known for health benefits.
Asparagus Care Tips:
- Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig trenches for planting crowns, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season.
- Feeding: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth.
- Weed Control: Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
- Harvesting: Begin harvesting spears when they reach 6-8 inches tall. Cut or snap spears at ground level and allow the remaining spears to grow.
Ways to Enjoy Asparagus:
- Grilled: Toss asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender and slightly charred.
- Roasted: Roast asparagus in the oven with garlic, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful side dish.
- Steamed: Steam asparagus until crisp-tender, then drizzle with melted butter or hollandaise sauce.
- In Salads: Add raw or blanched asparagus to salads for a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
Fun Facts About Asparagus:
- Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can produce spears for 10-15 years once established.
- The spears grow from crowns planted underground, with mature plants sending up new shoots each spring.
- Asparagus is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate and potassium.
- White asparagus is grown by covering the spears with soil as they grow, preventing them from photosynthesizing and turning green.
Visit Applewood Nursery & Landscape Supply to start your asparagus garden journey today! Our experts are here to assist you with everything you need for growing and enjoying this delightful vegetable. Happy gardening and bon appétit!