Grande F1 Asparagus Plant - 2-3 Year Crowns - 10-Pack

looking for a reliable and high-yielding asparagus variety, Grande F1™ offers an exceptional choice. This early to mid-season variety is specially designed for warm to hot climates, ensuring a robust and early start to your asparagus season. What sets Grande F1 apart is its remarkable growth rate and high yield, outshining other popular varieties in terms of both size and production capacity.

One of the most striking features of Grande F1 is its spear quality. You can expect medium-large to large spears, characterized by a deep green color with just a hint of purple on the bud scales, tips, and butt. These spears are not only attractive but also boast very tight heads, giving them a smooth and appealing appearance. This feature is particularly maintained even under warm to hot conditions, a testament to the variety's adaptability.

Grande F1 is versatile enough to be used for both green and white asparagus production, making it a great choice regardless of your preference. For gardeners concerned about diseases, this variety offers peace of mind. It shows remarkable resistance to common asparagus diseases such as fusarium, rust, and blight, and is also free of Asparagus Latent Virus race 2. Additionally, growing Grande F1 under plastic tunnels can help prevent Phomopsis asp, further ensuring the health and quality of your crop.

Not only is Grande F1 asparagus ideal for early and prolonged harvest, but it also produces large, tender spears that are slow to fern out or become fibrous, even when temperatures rise above 70 degrees. This quality ensures that you can enjoy delicious, tender asparagus spears throughout the season. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Grande F1 asparagus seeds are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a bountiful, high-quality asparagus harvest in their own backyard. Ready for some fresh asparagus? Many of our 2 - 3 year-old sized crowns will produce harvestable spears the same year you plant them! 

Included with each order is our all-natural phosphate fertilizer that will get your asparagus crowns growing quickly, along with detailed planting instructions.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant crowns in spring
• - Plant crowns 12-18 inches apart in trenches 6-8 inches deep

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.5-7.0
• - Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply and regularly during the first two years
• - Once established, water during dry spells

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
• - Side-dress with compost after harvest

Pruning and Training:

• - Cut back dead foliage in late fall

Pollination:

• - Not necessary for spear production

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for asparagus beetles and cutworms
• - Use organic insecticides if pest problems persist

Harvesting Indicators:

• - Harvest spears when they're 6-8 inches tall and about as thick as your finger
• - Stop harvesting as the spears become tough and the tops start opening

Storage:

• - Store fresh spears in the refrigerator for up to a week
• - Can be frozen or pickled for longer storage

Companion Plants:

• - Tomatoes: Repel asparagus beetles
• - Parsley: Attracts beneficial insects
• - Basil: Improves growth and flavor

Asparagus Plant Care Instructions: Spears can be harvested once they are as thick as a pencil. Stop harvesting as the spears become tough and the tops start opening. Leave them grow and fern out for the rest of the year. They can be cut back to the ground after the first hard frost, or it can be done in early spring before the new growth starts.