Purple Passion Asparagus Roots — Rohrer Seeds Skip to content
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Purple Passion Asparagus Roots

SKU 9991044
Original price $14.99 - Original price $24.99
Original price
$14.99
$14.99 - $24.99
Current price $14.99
Available Sizes: Purple Passion Asparagus Roots (10/pk)

Asparagus roots are typically available to order from March through the beginning of May, or while supplies last. This is the only time of year that they are available.

Purple Passion is a unique asparagus variety especially suited to the asparagus enthusiast, whether home gardener or commercial grower. Its special, attractive purple color, flavor and tenderness distinguish this variety from others. Our field trial confirms all of these attributes with taste tests conducted here. In addition, our trials indicate Purple Passion has productive yields.

Purple Passion asparagus is a bit nuttier and sweeter than white or green asparagus as it has about 20 percent more sugar content. Purple Passion stalks are purple on the outside but the interior of the asparagus is green, similar to our as Jersey Knight.

For best performance, plant spacing for Purple Passion is 6-8 inches apart in the row instead of the usual 12-inch spacing. When cooked, the bright purple color is reduced, but when served fresh in salads it provides a colorful and flavorful accent. Purple Passion is an excellent addition to any asparagus planting.

A Guide to Asparagus Planting 

BEFORE PLANTING

Choose a permanent, sunny location with well-drained soil for your new asparagus plantings. It is best if you prepare the site a year in advance by removing all perennial weeds and applying lime if needed to adjust the pH. A soil test should be done to check that the soil is in the correct pH range, and that it contains high levels of phosphorus. You should make any soil pH adjustments before you plant. Asparagus plants require a soil pH of 7.0-7.2. .

Prior to planting, incorporate 5lbs of 10-10-10 per 100 sq ft in the early spring. We recommend bone meal or super phosphate, and lime incorporated thoroughly at the bottom of the planting furrow to maintain the soil pH. Lay crowns so the buds are upright along the bottom of the furrow, and cover with 2 inches of soil. Do not add compost until plants are growing.

PLANTING

Plant asparagus roots 12-14 inches apart, leaving 3 feet between rows. Closer spacing is recommended for Purple Passion, these plants can be placed 6-8 inches apart. Furrows should be 8-10 inches deep, and 8 inches for heavier clay-like soils.

Asparagus plants need a well-drained place in the garden — and lighter soils may require more frequent watering than heavier soils, as heavier soil retains moisture more readily. Maintaining even moisture in the first year as the asparagus plants are establishing themselves is important.

As the spears grow up through the soil, above ground level, and expand into fern, gradually fill in the furrow trench, using up to 50% compost mixed with soil. Using this method helps to keep down small weeds. Within six weeks, the furrow should be completely filled. 

MAINTENANCE

In the first year, side dress the plantings in August with an additional 1lb of 10-10-10 per 100 sq ft and work into the top 2 inches of soil

In early spring of the second year, cut the old ferns down to ground level. Control weeds all season and irrigate as needed. Be on the lookout for asparagus beetles, aphids, and asparagus miners, as these insects can cause considerable damage to an established bed. For chemical weed and pest control recommendations, contact your local Cooperative Extension office. 

In early spring of each succeeding year follow the same routine, except increase the fertilizer to 2lbs of 10-10-10 per 100 sq ft. Side dress again after harvest with another 2lbs of 10-10-10 per 100 sq ft. Test your soil every 3-4 years to maintain a pH of 7.0-7.2. Broadcast lime according to the soil test results and recommendations.

HARVEST

You can begin to harvest asparagus as early as the year after establishment, cutting all the first spears that appear for a period of 7-10 days. Once spears begin to get spindly, stop harvesting. The second season, you can harvest all the spears that appear for a period of four weeks. By the third year, you can cut for the full season, which is usually about 8 weeks long. 

Tip: During harvest, asparagus roots need 2-3 inches of water per week. If frosted tips become brown remove immediately to prevent further set back of the planting.

 Be careful not to damage emerging spears when cutting below the soil surface; an alternative to cutting is to snap the spears. Make sure you snap stalks off close to the soil surface, so as not to leave tall stubs of asparagus. Stubs can be potential entry points for pests and diseases. Always attempt to maintain optimum growing conditions even after harvest, keeping the planting weed and insect free. Do not remove any ferns; they will die back naturally in the fall with freezing temperatures and will become useful for mulch in the Spring. Use the dried ferns in early spring as a mulch to reduce weed pressure. 

With some tender loving care, you should enjoy an asparagus bed for many years! 

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