How Do New Asparagus Plants Look?

Asparagus spears

Asparagus is a hardy perennial vegetable that can produce for up to 20 to 30 years if the bed it's planted in is cared for properly, according to the University of Illinois. Asparagus is either male or female, but planting male plants is preferred since they don't waste energy on seeds like the female plants. After planting asparagus crowns you have to wait one year until you can harvest them. Fully mature asparagus has a fernlike look to it.

Instructions

1. Keep your asparagus bed clear of weeds and other debris, such as rocks, so the asparagus can grow.

2. Look at the ground in the early spring, once the weather warms around your asparagus bed. The asparagus spreads out underground through their root systems.

3. Observe any green buds sticking out of the ground. That is the tip of the asparagus plant. Look for any asparagus spears. When asparagus is young it looks just like the asparagus spears you buy in the grocery store. If you see fernlike growth, the stems are probably already too old, woody and tough to eat.

References

• University of Illinois: Asparagus
• Ohio State University; Growing Asparagus In The Home Garden; Carl J. Cantaluppi