Mastering How to Grow Asparagus in Colorado: Your Ultimate Guide

Asparagus is a beloved spring vegetable known for its delicate flavor and unique texture. In Colorado, with its cool climate and fertile soil, growing asparagus can be a rewarding experience. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to cultivate healthy and bountiful asparagus plants in your Colorado garden.

Choosing the Right Variety

The first step to successful asparagus cultivation is selecting the appropriate variety. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

• Cold Hardiness: Choose varieties that are known to thrive in Colorado’s climate. Some popular cold-hardy options include ‘Jersey Giant,’ ‘Purple Passion,’ and ‘Mary Washington.’
• Maturity: Decide whether you prefer early or late-season asparagus. Early varieties like ‘Early Purple’ and ‘Jersey Giant’ produce spears earlier in the spring, while late varieties like ‘Mary Washington’ offer a longer harvest season.
• Height: Consider the height of the mature plants. Some varieties, like ‘Purple Passion,’ can grow quite tall, while others, like ‘Jersey Giant,’ remain shorter.

Preparing the Soil

Asparagus thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:

• Soil Test: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient content of your soil.
• Amendments: If necessary, amend the soil with compost, manure, or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches to create a loose and workable bed.

Planting Your Asparagus Crowns

Asparagus is planted from crowns, which are the roots of the plant. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting:

• Timing: Plant asparagus crowns in early spring, after the last frost.
• Spacing: Space crowns 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 4-5 feet apart.
• Planting Depth: Dig a trench 6-8 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
• Placement: Place the crowns in the trench, ensuring the growing buds face upwards.
• Backfill: Backfill the trench with soil, gently firming it around the crowns.

Watering and Fertilizing

Asparagus requires consistent moisture, especially during the establishment phase. Follow these guidelines:

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring. You can also use compost or manure as a natural fertilizer.

Protecting Your Asparagus Plants

Asparagus plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some tips for protecting them:

• Pest Control: Monitor for pests like asparagus beetles and aphids. Use organic pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Disease Prevention: Practice good sanitation to prevent diseases like rust and fusarium wilt. Remove any diseased plants and dispose of them properly.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Harvesting Your Asparagus

The first year after planting, do not harvest any asparagus. This allows the plants to establish a strong root system. In the second year, you can start harvesting, but only for a short period. From the third year onwards, you can enjoy a full harvest season.

• Harvest Timing: Harvest asparagus spears when they are 6-8 inches tall and have a tight tip.
• Harvesting Technique: Use a sharp knife to cut the spears at ground level.
• Harvest Duration: Harvest asparagus spears for 4-6 weeks, then allow the plants to rest and build up energy for the next season.

The Importance of Patience

Growing asparagus requires patience. It takes several years for plants to establish and produce a full harvest. However, with proper care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown asparagus for many years to come.

The End of the Harvest, But Not the Journey: Taking Care of Your Asparagus

Once the asparagus harvest season is over, it’s not time to forget about your plants. They need continued care to ensure a bountiful harvest the following year. Here’s what you need to do:

• Fertilize: Apply a layer of compost or manure around the base of each plant to replenish nutrients lost during the harvest season.
• Trim: Cut back any remaining stalks to the ground level to prevent diseases and pests from taking hold.
• Winter Protection: In Colorado’s colder months, cover the asparagus bed with a layer of mulch to help protect the roots from frost damage.

Top Questions Asked

Q: How long does it take for asparagus to grow in Colorado?
A: It takes about three years for asparagus plants to establish and produce a full harvest. However, you can start harvesting small amounts in the second year.
Q: What is the best time to plant asparagus in Colorado?
A: The best time to plant asparagus crowns in Colorado is in early spring, after the last frost.
Q: How do I know if my asparagus plants are healthy?
A: Healthy asparagus plants will have strong, upright stalks with vibrant green foliage. Look for signs of disease or pest damage, such as yellowing leaves, wilting stalks, or insects.
Q: Can I grow asparagus in containers?
A: While it’s possible to grow asparagus in containers, it’s not ideal. Asparagus plants have deep roots and require ample space to thrive. It’s best to plant them in the ground.
Q: What are some tips for getting the most out of my asparagus harvest?
A: For the most abundant harvest, make sure to fertilize your asparagus plants regularly, water them deeply, and protect them from pests and diseases. Also, be sure to harvest the spears regularly to encourage new growth.