Can you grow asparagus from cuttings? Yes, you can and the steps are very easy. In this post, you will how to grow asparagus from cuttings, even if you've never done it before.
Asparagus is a perennial plant with a long life span; it could live up to 30 years and even more if adequately taken care of. The Asparagus has ferny foliage with beautiful green leaves.
Asparagus with a rich ancient history dates back to over 2000 years ago. According to historians, Egyptians used asparagus spears as gift offerings for the gods.
This flowering plant is a genus of the Asparagaceae family, is native from South Africa to the Mediterranean and Siberia, and have about 300 species.
In some places, people grow the edible asparagus's shoots and stems to prepare delicacies; others use the shoots and stem as herbs in treating specific ailments or employ them in herbal medicine.
Can You Grow Asparagus From Cuttings?
Yes, you can grow asparagus from cuttings as I mentioned earlier, and this can be done by dividing the plant’s crown or root.
You will then treat each of the plant cuttings as an individual plant. Growing asparagus from cuttings will generally save you a bunch of time, as the process is pretty much easy and straightforward.
You will also be able to pick the strongest segments.
When Should Asparagus Cuttings Be Taken?
The best time to take and plant asparagus cuttings is in the spring, immediately all the fears surrounding frost damage have passed, and the temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
It takes a few seasons for asparagus to mature, but they will be ready for harvest in 15 to 30 years. So, it’s important to select a planting location where they will not be disturbed for a long time.
How to Grow Asparagus from Cuttings
You can grow your asparagus from cuttings by splitting the root of the flowering plant. It would be best if you used each of the asparagus plant cuttings as an individual plant.
That said, here's how to grow asparagus from cuttings:
Step 1: Get your Cuttings
The first step to take is getting some cuttings. Do you have a friend or a neighbor who owns an asparagus patch? If yes, you can ask for some.
If not, you can purchase some from the nearest gardening Center close to you, or you can order some cuttings online.
To make your asparagus cutting yourself, you need to make sure the roots have a few buds on them. Get your patch ready before buying your cutting.
Step 2: Plant the Asparagus
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research for small-scale Agriculture:
Plant your asparagus in spring after the soil warms to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not plant your asparagus in cold, wet soil because it can harbor a root rot disease.
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So when you see the temperature is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant them. However, don't be in a rush to bring them out. Some experts recommend planting in late spring to ensure the ground is parched and free from frost.
Another good reason to wait until the temperature is warmer before getting your cutting for planting is that asparagus grows faster in warm temperatures.
You won't have to worry so much about root rot if you water carefully. After you have gotten your cutting, you shouldn't wait too long before planting, as this can slowly damage your asparagus; why?
Well, asparagus dislikes transplanting, so delays can adversely affect your plant harvest not immediately but in a few years. I am positive you don't want this to happen.
Step 3: Dig a furrow
Dig a 12- inch deep furrow; the more profound the plant, the lower the yield. Using a plough, load the furrow with compost. Now plant your asparagus cuttings by putting the roots on the top of the compost in the trench.
Spread them if you can, plant them in rows because this allows good air circulation, and you can observe them properly this way.
Step 4: Cover the roots
Once your asparagus roots are in the ground, cover the roots with at least 2 inches of soil mixed with some compost.
I recommend using 3 part soil and 1 part of compost or "200lbs of 0-20 or 0-46-o fertilizer per acre."
As your plant grows, gently add more of the same soil compost mix to your trench. Grow asparagus from cuttings will save you so much time. The best part is you will pick out the most vital segments.
Taking Care of Asparagus
It is said that a well-maintained garden is a healthy garden. So if you want your asparagus to grow well, you must maintain the patch.
Here are a few things to do to maintain your asparagus patch:
Step 5: Weeding
Planting your asparagus helps make weeding easier. Spacing your asparagus helps you to avoid damaging it when removing weeds. Weed your patch well.
Step 6: Mulching
When you feed your asparagus patch with compost, aged manure or a nitrogen-rich material such as mulch, it keeps your bed rich, moist and protects your roots in cold conditions.
Step 7: Watering
Water your asparagus plants correctly; however, do not over-water them to prevent root rot. Inspect your plants.
In spring, edible asparagus tops the list of most-wanted ingredients. This yummy vegetable can never go wrong in a meal. Many use it in preparing asparagus cream pasta, Asian style sesame grilled asparagus rafts, and risotto primavera.
Is Asparagus Good For You?
According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension:
Asparagus is the highest tested food containing Glutathione, one of the most potent cancer fighters. It is also high in rutin, which helps strengthen blood vessels.
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The research further revealed that "Asparagus, along with other green vegetables, contains high amounts of vitamin K.
This vitamin helps your blood coagulate, meaning it helps your body stop bleeding after a cut, and vitamin K helps your body absorb calcium, so it's good for bone health".
The best reward for propagating asparagus from cutting is that you will have a bountiful harvest soon enough. You don't enjoy this luxury when you plant from seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does asparagus regrow after cutting?
Yes, asparagus grows back after cutting! This is because asparagus is a perennial plant, and perennial plants return year after year.
What time of year do you plant asparagus roots?
The best time of the year to plant asparagus roots is in the early spring months, as soon as the soil can be worked on.
How long does asparagus take to root?
Asparagus can take up to 21 days or longer to root.
Can you grow asparagus from cut stalks?
Yes, you can grow asparagus from cut stalks, but the most common propagation method is from root crowns.
Can you regrow asparagus in water?
Yes, asparagus can be grown in water. To achieve this, soak the plant in water for about 24 hours, then place them directly in your garden or sow them in seed flats for transplanting. The first thin stems will appear in a few weeks.
How many asparagus plants do you need?
This totally depends on how often you want to enjoy the vegetable. But you can plant between 5 to 20 asparagus plants. Each plant produces about ½ pound of asparagus spears per harvest.
Read Also:
- When to Cut Asparagus Ferns
- How to Propagate Sage from Cuttings
- Can You Propagate Rutabaga From Cuttings?
- Plants You Can Grow From Cuttings In Water
