Asparagus officinalis 'Martha Washington'

Direct sow asparagus seed outdoors in mid spring in a well prepared seed bed. Choose a sheltered position in full sun. Asparagus beds should be richly fertile and well drained. Remove all weeds, and incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the soil to improve soil structure and fertility. On cold, wet soils the addition of sharp sand or grit will help to improve drainage. Soak the seeds for 48 hours in warm water before sowing 5cm (2") deep, 8cm (3") apart in drills 30cm (12") apart. Asparagus seed germination is slow taking 21 - 30 days.

Alternatively asparagus seeds can be started off under glass. When large enough to handle, thin out asparagus seedlings to 30cm (12") apart, and grow on for a season. The following spring (late March/April) transplant young asparagus plants into a well prepared bed. Plant asparagus crowns 45cm (18") apart in rows 1.2m (4ft) apart taking care to ensure that the roots are not cramped.

Weed asparagus beds by hand as the shallow roots may be damaged by hoeing. Water asparagus beds regularly during hot periods, to prevent them from drying out. In autumn cut back the yellowing foliage and mulch the crowns with well rotted manure to protect them from frost. Feed with a general fertiliser each March.

When growing asparagus, resist the temptation to harvest the spears during their first season, but instead allow the plants to develop foliage. A limited crop of spears may be harvested in the second year during April and May when they reach 15cm (6") tall. By the third year, the crop can be fully harvested. It is recommended to stop cutting from the end of May to allow the shoots to develop into foliage. Later harvests can be made but risk weakening the plant.

Do not harvest spears until plants are three years old. Cut down and compost the foliage in November to remove any eggs of the Asparagus Beetle.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes etc are delivered at the appropriate time for planting and will be stated on the product page or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a P&P charge of £1.95.
Orders which include any other products will incur a P&P charge of £4.95.
Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products a maximum P&P charge of £6.90 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Please see our Delivery / P&P page for further details and details of any surcharges that may apply to certain destinations.