Asparagus Seeds 'Connover's Colossal'

When to Sow

Sow indoors from February to June. Starting asparagus in individual pots makes it easier to care for young plants and transplant them without unnecessary root disturbance.

How to Sow

Sow seeds individually in small pots of moist seed compost, approximately 1cm deep. Keep at 15–18°C for germination, maintaining moisture without waterlogging the compost.

Growing On

Grow young seedlings on in cool, light conditions, away from direct sunlight. Keep the compost lightly moist as the plants develop.

Hardening Off & Planting Out

Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions over 2–3 weeks. Once the danger of frost has passed, plant into their permanent positions, leaving approximately 5cm of soil above the compost level of the rootball. Space plants 45cm apart, with 45cm between rows.

Where to Plant

Choose a permanent, sunny position with fertile, well-drained soil. Remove perennial weeds and incorporate well-rotted garden compost before planting. Asparagus can remain productive for many years, so preparing the bed carefully is worthwhile.

Watering & Feeding

Water regularly during the first growing season, particularly in dry weather. Once established, asparagus needs less frequent watering. Apply well-rotted compost as a mulch in late winter and use a balanced fertiliser if needed.

Keeping the Bed Weed Free

Keep the bed free from weeds, especially while young plants establish. Weed carefully by hand to avoid damaging the developing roots.

Summer Fern Growth

Allow shoots to develop into tall, feathery foliage throughout summer. This growth helps the plants store energy for the following year's spears, so avoid cutting healthy green stems.

Autumn & Winter Care

Once the foliage naturally turns yellow or brown in autumn, cut it down to ground level and remove the old stems. The roots remain dormant underground until spring.

Pests & Problems

Protect young plants from slugs and snails, and watch for asparagus beetles feeding on the foliage. Avoid waterlogged soil, which can encourage root and crown rot. Emerging shoots may also need protection from late frosts.

When Can I Start Harvesting?

Allow asparagus grown from seed time to establish before picking. Unwins recommends waiting until the second summer after sowing before taking your first harvest. In years two and three, harvest sparingly so the plants can build strength for larger crops in future seasons.

How to Harvest

Harvest from May to June once plants are established. Use a sharp knife to cut young spears just below the soil surface, taking care not to damage neighbouring shoots.

When to Stop Harvesting

Finish harvesting by late June and allow the remaining spears to develop into feathery foliage. This helps the plants build up energy reserves for the following year's growth.

Top Tip

Check established plants regularly during spring and pick spears while they're young and tender. Keep harvests particularly light while the bed is still developing.

Flavour & Texture

Freshly harvested asparagus has a distinctive flavour and tender texture. Pick young spears and enjoy them soon after harvesting for the best eating quality.

Nutritional Benefits

Asparagus provides dietary fibre, folate and vitamins including vitamin K.

Preparing & Cooking

Rinse the spears and trim any woody ends. Steam, boil, roast or grill until just tender, then serve with butter, lemon or hollandaise sauce. Asparagus is also delicious in risottos, pasta dishes, omelettes and savoury tarts.

Storing Your Harvest

For the best flavour, use asparagus soon after picking. Refrigerate with the cut ends wrapped in damp kitchen paper, or stand the spears upright in a little water. Use within a few days.

Freezing Asparagus

Wash and trim the spears, blanch briefly in boiling water, then cool in iced water. Drain thoroughly before freezing. Frozen asparagus is best used in cooked dishes.

Why Grow Asparagus from Seed?

Growing asparagus from seed is an economical way to establish several plants, particularly if you're planning a dedicated bed. It takes longer than planting established crowns, but allows you to raise your own plants from the beginning.

Seeds vs Asparagus Crowns

Asparagus crowns are established root systems ready to plant directly into the garden. Seeds need to germinate and develop into young plants first, so they generally take longer to reach harvesting size.

Male & Female Plants

Traditional asparagus varieties grown from seed can produce both male and female plants. Male plants generally put more energy into producing spears, while female plants may develop red berries containing seeds. Specially bred all-male hybrids are selected for productive cropping. Asparagus berries are not edible.

Establishing a Long-Lasting Bed

Give asparagus a permanent, sunny position with enough space for mature plants. Keep the bed weed free and allow young plants to develop healthy foliage before harvesting. With good drainage and proper care, an established asparagus bed can remain productive for 15–20 years.