How to Grow Asparagus in Missouri
Missouri’s climate, with its cool winters and warm springs, is ideal for growing asparagus. This hardy perennial vegetable requires patience in its early years but will reward gardeners with decades of productive harvests once established. Here’s a guide to growing asparagus in Missouri.
1. Choosing the Right Asparagus Variety
Some recommended varieties for Missouri include:
- Jersey Supreme: A high-yielding, disease-resistant variety.
- Purple Passion: Known for its sweet, tender spears and vibrant color.
- Mary Washington: A traditional favorite that has been grown for decades.
2. When to Plant
The best time to plant asparagus in Missouri is in early spring, from late March to early April, once the soil is workable.
- Planting crowns: It’s best to plant 1-year-old asparagus crowns for faster establishment and quicker harvests.
3. Soil Preparation
Asparagus needs well-drained soil rich in nutrients, and Missouri’s clay-heavy soils may need amending to create ideal conditions.
- Soil type: Sandy loam is best. Improve clay soils by adding compost, aged manure, or other organic matter to enhance drainage.
- Soil pH: Asparagus thrives in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Perform a soil test to adjust the pH if necessary.
- Fertilization: Work in compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting to give asparagus a nutrient boost.
4. Planting and Spacing
- Digging trenches: Dig trenches 6-8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Place crowns 12-18 inches apart and space rows 4-5 feet apart.
- Covering crowns: Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil, and as the spears grow, gradually fill in the trench.
5. Watering
Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial for growing asparagus, especially during the establishment phase.
- Watering frequency: Water deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not soggy.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, control weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
6. Pest and Disease Management
In Missouri, asparagus beetles and rust disease can pose challenges for gardeners.
- Asparagus beetles: Hand-pick these pests or use insecticidal soap as necessary to control infestations.
- Rust: A fungal disease that affects asparagus. Good air circulation and avoiding wetting the foliage during watering can help prevent it.
7. Harvesting
Be patient with asparagus, as it takes 2-3 years to establish before it can be harvested.
- First harvest: Start harvesting lightly in the second year, limiting the harvest to two weeks. By the third year, you can harvest for up to six weeks.
- Harvesting spears: Cut or snap spears at the soil surface when they reach 6-8 inches in height.
Conclusion
Growing asparagus in Missouri requires patience, but the reward of fresh, homegrown spears each spring is well worth the effort. By preparing your soil properly and managing pests, you’ll have a productive asparagus bed for many years.
