2 yr Asparagus plants

[Canucksintheuk]

I recently purchased a couple of asparagus plants from a garden centre. They are two years, with ferns developed that are about 2 feet high. My question.....do I just let these ferns continue growing, or should I cut them down below the soil level to encourage the crowns to send up more? I know that in fall I should leave them to grow, and if I take any spears off of the plants this year, that it should be minimal to build them up for the next year.

But.....do I leave the spears on them that have gone to fern, or do I cut them down?

First time I've actually grown asparagus at this stage - have planted the crowns before but moved before any results - and haven't had the patience to do them again until now.

[Lesley Jay]

I wouldn't cut any asparagus spears this year as they are newly planted crowns. Leave the ferns to grow until they turn yellow in the autumn and then cut them down to ground level. I wrote a small article about growing asparagus here:-

Vegetable Gardens » Blog Archive » Growing Asparagus

[DavidT]

Don`t cut anything this year, let the crowns develope. And don`t take too many stems out next year, either. They should start cropping properly 2011.

[Canucksintheuk]

Thanks Lesley and David - those were my thoughts - my hopes were different I love asparagus - one of our favourite vege. If this is the case though, I think I may go get some more so that next year a 'small' cutting will at least keep me happy

Edit: have just read your article Lesley - very straightforward - I like it!