Propagation
Sow fresh seeds during spring, in containers. Plant out when two-year-old.


Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are reduced to scales on the main stem and the branches consist of linear cladophylls appearing in fascicles of 1-5.

Flower: The unisexual tubulate flowers have perianth segments that are up to 7 mm (Ľ in)long with 6-stamens with orange anthers. They have a jointed pedestal that is 10 mm (? in) long andthe flowers appear singularly or in a small cluster with 2-4 blooms in the axils. The male and female flowers appear on different plants (dioecious) during early summer.

Fruit: The small red berries appear on the female plant and are very viable.


Cultivation
Plant two-year-old seedlings in permanent position and prepare the soil with added organic material. Plant at a depth of 200 mm (7ľ in) and space 500 mm (20 in) apart along a trench.

As the plant grows, water regularly and apply nitrogen rich fertiliser during summer to produce vigorous upper growth. In the first season do not remove any spears and allow the plant to grow for two seasons before harvesting. Green asparagus spears are cut from level beds when they 200 mm (7ľ in) or so long.

White asparagus
Built the soil over the row to a depth of around 300 mm (1 ft) during late winter and as the new tip appears server it 150 mm (6 in) long from under the soil with a sharp knife. The spears may be stored in the crisper tray of the refrigerator for several days or frozen for later use.