Asparagus Argenteuil
$4.49
Asparagus Officinalis
- Seed Count 15
- Large Fast Growing Spears
- Perennial
In stock
Description
Asparagus Argenteuil hails from the 19th-century market gardens of Argenteuil, France—a region celebrated for its delicate produce. This heirloom variety has earned its stripes through consistent performance and exceptional flavour. Its thick, ivory-white spears, tinged with faint purple at the tips, are a gourmet favourite, long prized by chefs for their tender texture and subtly sweet, nutty profile.
This variety’s robust nature makes it adaptable to a range of climates, from temperate southern regions to subtropical zones, provided it’s given room to establish its deep, perennial root system. While patience is required—those first harvests arrive in two to three years—the reward is a decades-long supply of springtime shoots, year after year.
Once settled, it becomes a low-maintenance fixture in the garden, shrugging off pests and diseases with the resilience of a plant bred for sustenance and its mature crowns yield generously, making it a practical investment for households aiming to grow their own gourmet ingredients.
| Method: Raise Seedlings | Soil Temp: 16°C - 30°C |
| Cool Mountain: May - Jul | Position: Full sun |
| Arid: Jan - Jul | Row Spacing: 40 cm |
| Temperate: Aug - Nov | Planting Depth: 10 mm |
| Sub Tropical: Aug - Nov | Harvest: 760 Days |
| Tropical: May - Jul | Plant Height: 150 cm |
Site Selection & Soil Preparation
Sunlight:
- Full sun (4–6 hours daily).
Soil:
- Well=drained, deep, sandy loam
- Soil pH 6.5–7.0.
Preparation:
- Remove weeds and rocks.
- Amend with 10 cm of compost/aged manure.
- Till soil to 30 cm inches depth for root penetration.
- Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Timing:
- Start 12–14 weeks before last frost.
Seed Prep:
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours to boost germination.
Planting:
- Sow 1cm deep in seed trays with potting mix.
- Space seeds 10 cm apart.
Germination temp:
- 16–30°C; takes 2–8 weeks.
Care:
- Keep soil moist.
- Provide bright light (grow lights if needed).
Transplanting Seedlings
Hardening Off:
- Acclimate seedlings outdoors over 7–10 days.
Spacing:
- Rows: 1 m apart.
- Plants: 40 cm apart.
Ongoing Care
Watering:
- 5 cm weekly; avoid waterlogging.
Mulching:
- Apply 10 cm of straw/compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilising:
- Year 1: Balanced fertilizer at transplanting.
- Annually: Top dress with compost in spring and autumn.
Weeding:
- Hand weed carefully to avoid root disturbance.
Pest & Disease Management
Common Pests:
- Asparagus Beetles. Handpick or use neem oil.
- Caterpillars. Collar seedlings with cardboard.
Diseases:
- Rust. Ensure airflow and remove infected foliage.
- Prevention. Rotate crops every 10+ years; avoid overhead watering.
Harvesting
Timing:
- Year 1–2: No harvest; let plants establish.
- Year 3: Harvest spears for 6–8 weeks in spring.
Method:
- Cut 20 cm spears at soil level with a knife.
Post Harvest:
- Allow ferns to grow; they replenish roots for next year.
Companion Planting Guide
Good Companions:
- Basil & Parsley: Attract beneficial insects; deter pests.
- Tomatoes: Repel asparagus beetles (1m apart to avoid competition).
- Marigolds & Nasturtiums: Deter nematodes and beetles.
- Spinach/Lettuce: Shallow roots; utilise space without competition.
Avoid Planting With:
- Alliums (Onions/Garlic): Compete for nutrients.
- Potatoes: Risk of shared pests (e.g., asparagus beetle).
Benefits:
- Tall asparagus ferns provide light shade for cool season crops.
- Flowering companions boost biodiversity and pest control.
Troubleshooting
- Yellowing Ferns: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- Thin Spears: Overharvesting or young plants; reduce harvest time.
- Poor Yield: Test soil pH; ensure adequate sun and nutrients.
Order Times
Seed orders are normally dispatched within three business days. You will receive an email when seeds are mailed out.
Postage Days
Seeds are mailed out Monday to Friday at 1pm. Except for the Friday of long weekends.
Postage Times
WA 2-3 Days: SA,NT 3-5 Days: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC: 5-7 Days
Carrier
We use Australia Post Letter Postage for the majority of orders
Not only are our seeds packed in recycled paper envelopes, we keep the theme going when we post out website orders. To protect your seeds from moisture and the letter box munchers (snails), we use a very special plastic free material made from plants. They are then put into recycled mailing envelopes. Green all the way 💚🌿
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