Asparagus
Monday, May 21st, 2007
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a hardy perennial vegetable, best suited to cooler climates. It tolerates frost well. The succulent shoots emerge in early spring from the underground crown. Packed with vitamins and minerals, high in fibre, and absolutely delicious when fresh and well cooked, asparagus is growing in popularity.
The male and female asparagus plants are distinct (it is dioecious). The female plants produce (and drop) seeds, which can cause over-crowding if not controlled, and are lower-yielding and more disease prone. New “all male” hybrids produce no seeds and bigger yields (up to 3 times the yield).
