We have been wanting to plant asparagus crowns for a long time. My DMIL generously ordered 100 crowns and had them delivered. Only problem is, we didn't know they were coming and were not prepared. I have a beautiful space that I am planning to prepare, but I'm thinking it won't be ready for the crowns until the fall. SO, my question is, how can I keep the crowns happy and healthy until then? I have plenty of land, but not so much that is ready to plant. I use raised beds for my veggies and this many asparagus would take up 4 of them, which I cannot give up at this time. I was thinking of doing one of the following: use one of my raised beds to hold them temporarily by placing them sideby side (instead of 12-18 inches apart) until the fall when I can relocate them, OR dumping a load of compost and just burying the crowns until the fall. Will either work? I do not want to kill these guys-they are beautiful, but I just want to get a long term bed ready for them. They are currently in the fridge. Thanks for any suggestions. villaluna
Asparagus Emergency
I am only two years into asparagus but from what I have read and done myself, asparagus has to be put in in Spring. I don't think growers even ship for Fall. I would try and make some new beds for them soon and get them in the ground. I ordered 50 that came 2 weeks ago and planted them in a few days. They really need the Spring & Summer to set up in their new home.
Susan in NC
susan is correct you need to plant in spring. planting and relocating is not advised. if you do then allow them to get adjusted and relocate next spring. They will go in to shock every time they are moved and take 2-3 years min to come out of it. I have grown for years and if it where me id bite the bullet and get there beds ready now or give/sell them and reorder after you have the beds ready you will have a stronger, heathyer, longer lived in the long run by not moving the roots. It is almost impossable to move crowns older then 2 years and have any disirible results. I wish you good luck.
mike
Thanks Mike,
I am always apprehensive to give advice, glad I am right. LOL
Susan
Thank you both for the info; I am still trying to figure out what to do, but whatever it is, it looks like it should be fast! Maybe I'll just end up using 4 of my beds and building new ones. Happy Gardening. Villaluna