Harvesting Asparagus

Question

My asparagus bed is all heirloom plants and seeds itself, which results in new small plants every year. Should ALL the spears (mature and new sprouts) be cut during the harvest season, or should the new sprouts be left to grow to maturity during the harvesting season and beyond?

Answer 1

Ideally, with heirloom cultivars, you will want to prevent them from seeding. If this is not possible, only harvest the older shoots. You will want the younger shoots to mature for a few years before harvesting.

These articles will offer more information on growing asparagus:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/asparagus/growing-asparagus.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/asparagus/planting-asparagus-how-to-make-an-asparagus-bed.htm