Top Asparagus Varieties

---

 Jersey Knight is a top-performing hybrid asparagus variety prized for its exceptional vigor and massive yields of thick, tender spears. It is a "predominantly male" hybrid, meaning the plants focus their energy on spear production rather than seeds, resulting in up to 20–30% higher yields than older heirloom varieties like Mary Washington. 

 Key Characteristics

• Soil Adaptability: Unlike many varieties, Jersey Knight thrives in heavy or clay-based soils.
• Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to common asparagus killers like fusarium wilt, crown rot, and rust.
• Climate Tolerance: Extremely cold-hardy (USDA Zones 3–8) and performs well in humid or warm climates where other varieties might struggle.
• Longevity: Once established, a bed can produce for 15 to 20+ years.

 Planting Quick Guide

• When: Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
• Spacing: Space crowns 12–18 inches apart in trenches 2–3 feet apart.
• Depth: Dig a trench 8–10 inches deep. Spread roots over a small mound of soil and cover with only 2–3 inches of dirt initially, filling the rest as the plant grows.
• Patience: Avoid harvesting the first year. Take a light harvest in year two and reach full production by year three.

SOLD AS EACH CROWN

Purple Passion asparagus is a premium gourmet variety known for its deep burgundy spears, which are approximately 20% sweeter than traditional green varieties. These perennial crowns are favored for their tender, less stringy texture, making them ideal for eating raw in salads or lightly steaming. While the vibrant purple color turns green when cooked, the unique nutty flavor remains.  

 Planting and Care Highlights

• Location: Plant in a permanent spot with full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Spacing: Unlike green varieties, Purple Passion should be spaced closer together—about 6–8 inches apart—to encourage more slender, tender spears.
• Method: Dig a trench 6–8 inches deep. Place crowns with buds facing up and "tentacles" spread out, covering initially with only 2–3 inches of soil. Gradually fill the trench as the spears grow.
• Harvesting: Do not harvest heavily until the third year to allow the root system to fully establish. Once mature, beds can produce for 15–20 years

SOLD AS EACH CROWN

 1. Select and Prepare the Site

• Location: Choose a permanent spot in full sun (at least 8 hours daily) with well-drained soil.
• Soil Type: Sandy or sandy loam soils are ideal. If you have heavy clay, use a hilltop or a raised bed to ensure drainage, as asparagus cannot tolerate saturated soil.
• Soil pH: Aim for a pH between 6.8 and 7.5. Use a soil test and add lime if the soil is too acidic.
• Fertilization: Incorporate high-phosphate fertilizer (like 0-46-0) or plenty of compost into the soil before planting to support root developmen

2. Dig Trenches

• Spacing: Space rows 4 to 5 feet apart to allow the large "ferns" enough room to grow in the summer.
• Depth: Dig trenches according to your soil type:
  • Sandy soil: 8–10 inches deep.
  • Clay soil: 6 inches deep. 

3. Plant the Crowns 

• Hydrate: Soak the dormant crowns in water or a nutrient-rich "tea" for 15–30 minutes before planting.
• Mound & Placement: Create a small 2-inch ridge of soil at the bottom of the trench. Place the crown on the ridge with the buds pointing up and the roots fanned out "spider-like" over the sides.
• Crown Spacing: Space the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart within the trench. 

4. Backfill Gradually 

• Initial Cover: Cover the crowns with only 2 inches of soil initially and water them thoroughly.
• Fill In: As the spears begin to grow and emerge, gradually add more soil every few weeks until the trench is filled level with the ground surface by the end of the summer.