Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can produce tender spears for 15 to 20 years once established. Successful long-term production requires high-quality planting material, which comes as seeds or one-year-old root systems known as crowns. Understanding the difference between these forms and knowing where to source the best stock is the first step toward enjoying this early spring delicacy.
Understanding Seeds Versus Crowns
The choice between starting with seeds or crowns significantly affects the time until your first harvest and the overall effort required. Asparagus seeds are significantly less expensive than crowns, offering a budget-friendly way to establish a large asparagus bed. Growing from seed also provides access to the widest selection of varieties, including heirloom and specialty types that may not be available as crowns. However, starting from seed is a multi-year commitment, as it takes three to four years before a reliable harvest can begin.
Asparagus crowns are year-old, dormant root systems that bypass the delicate germination and seedling stage. This established root structure allows for a much quicker harvest, often permitting a light picking in the second year after planting. Crowns are the recommended option for most home gardeners, especially beginners, due to their higher survival rate and simplified planting process. Although crowns are more expensive per plant, they save a full year of waiting compared to seeds.
Vendor Types and Buying Sources
Reliable sources for high-quality asparagus planting material fall into three main categories, each with distinct advantages. Online specialty nurseries are the best option for the widest selection of all-male hybrid varieties and specific disease resistance traits. These vendors often ship dormant crowns directly during the late winter or early spring planting season. Always check the vendor’s reputation for providing disease-free stock, as a single infected crown can compromise an entire bed.
Local garden centers and independent nurseries provide immediate availability, often selling crowns in late winter or early spring. These local sources can offer valuable advice tailored to your specific microclimate, but their inventory is limited to a smaller range of common or locally favored varieties. Purchasing locally allows for a physical inspection of the crowns before buying. The roots should feel firm, plump, and moist, with no signs of shriveling or mold.
For those choosing the seed route, seed catalogs and larger online retailers are the primary sources. Seeds can be purchased year-round, unlike the seasonal availability of crowns, but they require starting indoors 8 to 12 weeks before the last frost. When vetting any vendor, whether for seeds or crowns, confirm they clearly state the variety and age of the material.
Selecting the Right Variety
Choosing the correct variety is a long-term decision, as an asparagus bed can remain productive for decades. For maximizing spear production, the best choice is an all-male hybrid, such as ‘Jersey Knight,’ ‘Jersey Giant,’ or ‘Millennium’. Asparagus plants are naturally dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants; female plants expend energy producing berries and seeds, which lowers the yield. All-male hybrids direct all their energy into growing spears, resulting in a yield that can be 20 to 50 percent higher than older varieties like ‘Mary Washington’.
Beyond yield, consider regional suitability, especially cold hardiness and soil tolerance. For example, ‘Millennium’ is recommended for northern climates because of its tolerance to cold winters and its ability to perform well in heavier soils. Other varieties, such as ‘Purple Passion,’ are prized for their high sugar content and tenderness, even though they include both male and female plants and produce a slightly lower yield.