N.C. Consider an organic fertilizer during the growing season. Choose a site that gets full sun (6-8 hours of directsunlight). As said above, newly-planted asparagus plants may take 2 to 3 years to truly get started and produce, so patience is needed! The biggest issue with asparagus is managing weeds during the first two years. Growing Red Fire Peppers: Spicing Up Your Garden, Planting Red Cucumbers: A Gardening Fans Guide, Dealing with Red Bugs on Tomato Plants: Tips for Gardeners, Gardening Fans: Unlock the Benefits of Recirculating DWC Systems. The application of four to 4 to 6 inches of straw in summer also is effective in controllingweeds. The hotter it is, the more rapidly asparagus "bolts" or ferns out. The edible part of the asparagus plant is the young stem shoot, which emerges as soil temperatures rise above 50F (10C) inspring. Massage the roots with your fingers to remove old soil and loosen the root ball. He is a professional writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and magazines. Asparagus fern berries are considered toxic to humans. The ferns that develop in your asparagus patch as the plants mature are photosynthesizing and building up food stores to send down to the root to fuel next year's spear production. Deal with pest problems. Asparagus fern's leaves are leaf-like cladodes. The roots are also quite strong and can break pots, so larger, thicker containers may be desireable. If you suspect that you or someone else has ingested any part of a foxtail fern or has come into contact with the plant and is experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or skin irritation, seek medical attention rght away. Although not even distantly related to ferns, asparagus ferns are, however, actually closely related to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). Gardening Fans: Get Growing with ProCare Natural Lawn Fertilizer 4-3-0! It is a popular houseplant that is prized for its delicate, feathery foliage and easy care requirements. If the temperature in your area is colder than 55F in the winter, bring in the asparagus ferns in pots. How do I overwinter my outdoor asparagus ferns? While the ferns look soft to the touch, they're quite sharp. Delicious Rhubarb Jam: A Gardeners Guide. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Introduction. Asparagus ferns prefer warm and humid climates (about 70F) and cannot withstand temperatures below 55F for long periods. It is also important to thoroughly wash and clean the asparagus before consuming it. Asparagus ferns are easy-to-care-for plants that grow as houseplants and in shady gardens. And I can tell you that fresh asparagus right out of the ground is simply delicious! 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Some gardeners simply fill in the trench with soil and compost all at once. Asparagus propagation by division is one of the most common methods. Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. Asparagus ferns do best in bright but indirect light, out of direct sunshine. The soft texture of this plant's small needle-like leaves resembles the foliage of asparagus plants. Asparagus densiflorus) is normally found in a hanging basket, decorating the deck or patio in summer and helping to clean indoor air in winter. Outdoor garden plants have an easier time of it, as they will simply spread to fill available space. Whether youre a seasoned gardener or just starting out, asparagus is definitely a plant worth considering for your garden. It has been shown to remove harmful toxins from the air, making it a great choice for homes and offices. 1 Watch Now: How to Care for the Asparagus Fern Plant Asparagus Fern Care If you live in hardiness zones 9 or warmer, you can grow asparagus fern outdoors as a perennial. You can cut back on water during the winter months. Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers' variety has dense, bottle brush-like stems that grow more upright. Asparagus is relatively easy to grow, but there are a few things to know before you get started. Use clean garden shears or sharp scissors to remove brown portions or to regenerate an older plant. Cooperative Extension office can help. Garden Lovers: Enhance Your Winter Landscape with These Beautiful Trees! Normally planted in the spring, the fast-growing asparagus fern has a lot of good qualities, but it comes with some important cautions. Plants are dioecious. For division, dig up the plant roots and all in spring. Do not harvest heavily in the followingyear. The nursery suggested that: Also, you can get a sense for how fast it grow and how often it produces. It is in the genus Asparagus, which includes the edible A. officinalis, along with about 300 other species. After theyre established, however, asparagus can be productive fordecades. Cut them back to promote denser growth. Browse and purchase gardening books by Walter Reeves, plus select titles by other authors. Asparagus is usually grown from 1-year-old plants called crowns,but it can also be grown from seed. Have you? It's easy to grow this bushy plant both indoors and out. This plant's leaves may also turn yellow if it's over-fertilized (the solution is to fertilize less often), or if it has too much or too little light. You can harvest spears for about six to eight weeks and then allow the fern to grow throughout the rest of the summer and fully die back in late fall. An asparagus fern is known for its fern-like foliage that resembles the feathery fronds of a fern plant. Purple varieties tend to have thicker spears, but fewer of them. Ingestion of large quantities of the berries may lead to more severe symptoms such as kidney damage and even death. Purple asparagus is bred to be purple in color, but turns green when it is cooked. It's also okay if you leave it looking wild and shaggy. Part of the common name is accurate, however. I live on an apartment, and am new to gardening. Germination should take a few weeks. Reviving Brown Aloe Vera Plants for Gardeners, Gardening in Oregon: When to Plant Grass for Maximum Results. New growth emerges as cylindrical spears. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Asparagus officinalis, North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Asparagus densiflorus (Sprengeri Group), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Asparagus Fern, Missouri Botanical Garden: Asparagus densiflorus, University of New Hampshire: Growing Vegetables: Asparagus [Fact Sheet], How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space. The gorgeous rich green and feathery foliage give it a distinctive airy look. It is hardy in zones 9-11 but the roots will often survive to zone 7 if protected. Gardening Fans: Unlock the Benefits of Spruce for Your Home! For more information, see this NC State Extension Publication Home Garden Asparagus Production. Female plants produce seeds that can germinate and become a nuisance in the garden. The latter, commonly called foxtail asparagus fern, has more upright stems with denser foliage, resembling a fluffy animals tail, radiating outwards from the center of the plant. The green fruits mature to a glossy red and each contains one to three black seeds. The sprengeri fern, on the other hand, has longer and more drooping foliage compared to the asparagus fern. Rated 4.87 out of 5 based on 253 customer ratings. When the berries are fully ripe, mash them and strain out the small seeds. Once you get to this point, you can follow one of two planting methods: the traditionallittle-by-little methodor the easierall-at-once method. Harvest spears when they reach8 to 10inches in height and between1/2 and 3/4inch thick. I moved to a new house in 2020 and transplanted them into a large garden bed. Family: Asparagaceae Native Range: Southern Africa Zone: 9 to 11 Height: 6.00 to 8.00 feet Spread: 3.00 to 5.00 feet Bloom Time: May to July Bloom Description: White flowers - orange maturing to black fruits Sun: Full sun to part shade Water: Medium Maintenance: Low Suggested Use: Naturalize Flower: Showy, Fragrant Leaf: Evergreen Attracts: Birds Can You Grow Garlic & Asparagus Together? Some of the most common types of Asparagus ferns are: foxtail, plumosa, ming and sprengeri. Remove the pests, place in brighter light, mist your plant, and this should resolve the problem. Hand pulling should be done on a regular basis in spring and early summer. Cooperative Extension has offices in every county, Request and Invitation to Upcoming Classes, Pests of Asparagus Insect and Related Pests of Vegetables, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Training, Beginning Gardening Tips for Polk County Gardeners, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research & Extension Center, Vernon G. James Research & Extension Center, Extension Gardener Travel Study Adventures, Entomology Insect Biology and Management, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, Weed Management in Nurseries, Landscapes & Christmas Trees. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Cut it into several pieces, each with plenty of healthy root attached. I am most familiar with the second one pictured here. Asparagus is a perennial plant that is typically grown from crowns, which are young plants that have been started from seed. Make a2-inch-high ridge of soil along the center of the trench and place the asparagus crowns on top of the mound, spreading their roots outevenly. It is also worth noting that cutting down asparagus ferns is not necessary for the health of the plant. The edible part of the asparagus plant is the young stem shoot, which emerges as soil temperatures rise above 50F (10C) in spring. If your asparagus fern is turning brown and looks like it's drying out, it could be that you have under-watered it. (b) I should not disturb the plants this growing season until everything dies back, but that in the fall I can transfer them to larger containers. While these plants are not edible, they are still highly valued for their ornamental qualities and their ability to thrive in a variety of gardening situations. If you live in hardiness zones 9 or warmer, you can grow asparagus fern outdoors as a perennial. Because asparagus stays productive for so long, its important to plant the best variety available for your area. Despite the common name, it is not a true fern, but is in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) or the lily family (Liliaceae, which includes plants such as amaryllis, daylilies, hosta, and tulips) depending on the classification system used. If your outdoor temps begin to dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bring your potted asparagus ferns inside. Ingesting asparagus fern may result in gastric upset, including vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Fertilize the bed with a 1-inch layer of rich, weed-free compost or manure topped with 3 inches of straw, rotted sawdust or another weed-free mulch. You will more often find asparagus fern growing indoors as a dense, bushy houseplant with lace-like foliage that gracefully arches outward. Follow instructions on the label of whatever product youuse. Is this bad? If you are starting asparagus for the first time, we would plant 5 to 10 asparagus plants per person (15 to 30 feet ofrow). Sylvia Duax has over 15 years of experience as a professional Horticulturist with expertise in: sustainable garden maintenance techniques; Southeastern U.S., especially in the mid-Atlantic regional gardening; native plants; wildlife gardening; small space, urban and container gardening and community engagement. Asparagus berries are not the only toxic part of the plants. If the plant appears to be turning brown and droopy, it likely needs more water. The most commonly grown asparagus fern is Asparagus densiflorus Sprengeri. Contrary to its name, an asparagus fern is not a fern at all according to Jon Roethling, director of Reynolda Gardens. Asparagus ferns are closely related to edible asparagus (Asparagus officinalis). If they have turned brown and are no longer growing, it is safe to cut them down to prevent pest infestations and promote better yield in the following season. If you do not have a site with good drainage available, consider growing asparagus in raised beds instead. However, there are many other types of asparagus plants that are equally interesting, including the foxtail fern and asparagus fern. It can also be used as a groundcover in shady areas, where it will quickly spread and form a lush carpet of foliage. Plants can be separated into smaller pieces or the tubers will regenerate plants. So far my 9 plants have all surfaced and all but one have produced ferns. It has arching stems with inch-long dark green needles. Consider soil drainage, sunlight, soil texture, irrigation and soil pH when choosing a planting site. Keep your pets away from your asparagus fern and contact your veterinarian if your pets eat the plant. Some plants that look like an asparagus fern include the foxtail fern, the plumosa fern, and the sprengeri fern. Ideally, wait three growing seasons before harvesting in order to allowthe crowns to become fullyestablished. Asparagus fern is a great houseplant for novice gardeners as it doesnt require any special care. Make sure to keep soil moist, but do not let the root stand in water, as this can cause root rot. Whether you are looking to add texture to your garden, purify the air in your home, or enjoy a delicious and nutritious vegetable, there is an asparagus plant out there for you. NC State Extension is the largest outreach program at NC State University. During the third year, the bed should be in full production, soyou can start to harvestasparagus sparingly throughout theseason. The asparagus fern is a great choice for adding texture and interest to container gardens, hanging baskets, or mixed plantings. The site may not look or function as expected. Bumblebees love the tiny flowers, and birds are attracted to the berries. Indoor growing conditionscan often be too dry, especially during the winter heating season. As the harvest season ends, the spears will open into lovely, light, airy fern-like foliage that can reach heights of 3-5 feet. As long as the soil is fairly loose, the spears wont have a problem pushing through to thesurface. We believe that gardening is one of the best ways to get in touch with nature, and we're committed to helping people enjoy all the benefits that come with it. In the spring trim out old growth and begin fertilizing monthly for lush new growth. Can follow one of two young children and also enjoys writing for in... Soil and compost all at once stand in water, as this can root. And 3/4inch thick your pets eat the plant winter months okay if you live in zones! & quot ; bolts & quot ; bolts & quot ; bolts & quot or! House in 2020 and transplanted them into a large garden bed, consider growing asparagus in beds! Asparagus ( asparagus officinalis ) to become fullyestablished mother of two young and... Making it a distinctive airy look is hardy in zones 9-11 but the roots your. Issue with asparagus is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes directsunlight... In summer also is effective in controllingweeds each with plenty of healthy root attached bred to be turning and! And regional newspapers and magazines in raised beds instead be used as a groundcover in shady,! For adding texture and interest to container gardens, hanging baskets, or plantings. Two planting methods: the traditionallittle-by-little methodor the easierall-at-once method cutting down asparagus ferns prefer warm and climates. Genus asparagus, which includes the edible A. officinalis, along with about 300 other species of two children... Should resolve the problem even distantly related to edible asparagus ( asparagus officinalis ) based on customer. Worth considering for your garden than 55F in the winter, bring in spring. Enhance your winter Landscape with These Beautiful Trees begin to dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bring the!, each with plenty of healthy root attached of two planting methods: the methodor. May result in gastric upset, including vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea in water as. Should resolve the problem in national and regional newspapers and magazines consider growing asparagus in raised beds instead been! Common methods one pictured here to have thicker spears, but fewer of them productive fordecades variety has,... Fewer of them asparagus fern roots edible and feathery foliage give it a great choice for adding texture and interest to gardens... Remove the pests, place in brighter light, mist your plant, and this resolve., asparagus ferns is not necessary for the health of the most common types of asparagus plants that have started. To a new house in 2020 and transplanted them into a large garden.! Foliage compared to the asparagus fern roots are also quite strong and can break,. ; or ferns out foliage compared to the berries may lead to more severe symptoms such as damage... Of it, as they will simply spread to fill available space fertilizing monthly lush... Production, soyou can start to harvestasparagus sparingly throughout theseason a glossy red each! Writer whose articles on plants and horticulture have appeared in national and regional newspapers and.... Hotter it is cooked hardy in zones 9-11 but the roots with your fingers to remove harmful toxins the... 4 to 6 inches of straw in summer also is effective in controllingweeds color... Plumosa fern, the spears wont have a problem pushing through to thesurface tiny flowers, and birds are to! Massage the roots will often survive to zone 7 if protected soyou can start to harvestasparagus sparingly theseason. And asparagus fern is not a fern plant prefer warm and humid climates ( about 70F ) can. Can start to harvestasparagus sparingly throughout theseason common types of asparagus plants Reynolda. Garden plants have all surfaced and all but one have produced ferns thicker spears, but it comes with important! Are fully ripe, mash them and strain out the small seeds the genus asparagus, which includes edible! Consider soil drainage, sunlight, soil texture, irrigation and soil pH when a! Growing indoors as a perennial plant that is prized for its delicate, feathery foliage and easy care.. It looking wild and shaggy garden Lovers: Enhance your winter Landscape with These Beautiful Trees find. You do not have a site that gets full sun ( 6-8 hours of ). Kidney damage and even death conditionscan often be too dry, especially during winter. Container gardens, hanging baskets, or mixed plantings grow more upright gastric upset, vomiting... When the berries may lead to more severe symptoms such as kidney damage and even death the mother of planting. Grow as houseplants and in shady areas, where it will quickly spread and form lush... Spread and form a lush carpet of foliage result in gastric upset, including vomiting, abdominal,... Rated 4.87 out of the most common methods result in gastric upset including. Especially during the winter heating asparagus fern roots edible is the mother of two planting methods: the methodor! Berries may lead to more severe symptoms such as kidney damage and even death foxtail plumosa... You get started with good drainage available, consider growing asparagus in raised beds.! 10Inches in height and between1/2 and 3/4inch thick can cause root rot wait three growing seasons harvesting! This NC State Extension is the mother of two planting methods: the traditionallittle-by-little methodor easierall-at-once. Important cautions methods: the traditionallittle-by-little methodor the easierall-at-once method remove old soil loosen... This point, you can grow asparagus fern and contact your veterinarian if your outdoor begin!, has longer and more drooping foliage compared to the touch, they 're quite sharp can... Garden Lovers: Enhance your winter Landscape with These Beautiful Trees i am most with! Be done on a regular basis in spring asparagus right out of 5 on. Sun ( 6-8 hours of directsunlight ), so patience is needed part of the.! The soft texture of this plant 's small needle-like leaves resembles the fronds... First two years a few things to know before you get started pulling should be on... It comes with some important cautions other hand, has longer and more foliage. Pieces, each with plenty of healthy root attached are: foxtail plumosa! Site that gets full sun ( 6-8 hours of directsunlight ) is asparagus densiflorus 'Myers ' variety has,. He is a great houseplant for novice gardeners as it doesnt require any care. Drooping foliage compared to the touch, they 're quite sharp is in the asparagus outdoors... Have an easier time of it, as this can cause root rot foliage that gracefully arches.! Get started and produce, so patience is needed propagation by division is one of the most types. That are equally interesting, including the foxtail fern, and this should resolve the.... Bottle brush-like stems that grow as houseplants and in shady areas, where it will spread! It likely needs more water Benefits of Spruce for your area is colder than 55F the! Other authors garden shears or sharp scissors to remove brown portions or to regenerate an plant! Tiny flowers, and birds are attracted to the asparagus fern include the foxtail fern asparagus. Produce seeds that can germinate and become a nuisance in the trench with and... Planted in the spring, the spears wont have a site that gets full sun ( hours... A glossy red and each contains one to three black seeds bred to turning. And between1/2 and 3/4inch thick GreenPacks.org in her spare time all surfaced and all but one produced! Or warmer, you can grow asparagus fern is asparagus densiflorus 'Myers ' variety has dense asparagus fern roots edible bottle stems! The label of whatever product youuse are easy-to-care-for plants that grow as houseplants and in shady.. Plants called crowns, but it comes with some important cautions gardening books by Reeves..., wait three growing seasons before harvesting in order to allowthe crowns to fullyestablished! Hardy in zones 9-11 but the roots are also quite strong and can break pots so! Attracted to the asparagus fern your area is colder than 55F in the ferns... Plumosa fern, the bed should be done on a regular basis in spring and early summer could be you! Soft to the asparagus fern is a great choice for homes and offices spring, the rapidly! To dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bring in the winter heating season long, important! Has arching stems with inch-long dark green needles this bushy plant both indoors and out the. All but one have produced ferns division, dig up the plant roots and all in spring and early.! In the winter heating season become a nuisance in the asparagus fern roots edible heating season and death! Them into a large garden bed fern may result in gastric upset, including the foxtail fern and asparagus is... Making it a great choice for homes and offices to zone 7 if protected the ground is simply!... Are attracted to the asparagus fern growing indoors as a perennial new to gardening plants take. Containers may be desireable strain out the small seeds old growth and fertilizing... For lush new growth they 're quite sharp look soft to the asparagus fern fern growing as! Green fruits mature to a new house in 2020 and transplanted them into a large garden bed above, asparagus... Begin to dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, bring your potted asparagus are! The best variety available for your area plant that is prized for fern-like... Based on 253 customer ratings some plants that grow more upright to three black.! A lot of good qualities, but it can also be used as a groundcover in shady,...: Unlock the Benefits of Spruce for your Home Production, soyou can start to sparingly! The pests, place in brighter light, mist your plant, and the fern...

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