Asparagus Asparagus officinalis 'Connover's Colossal'
ABOUT
The Asparagus officinalis 'Connover's Colossal' is known by the common name asparagus and is notable for its vigorous growth and productivity. The plant displays a ferny, bushy appearance due to its fine, feathery foliage that is bright to dark green in color. During its productive season, the plant produces thick, straight spears that emerge from the ground, having a smoothed texture and a typical green hue which can sometimes have a purplish tinge at the spear tips. This variety is distinguished by the large size of its spears which are often enjoyed for their tenderness and flavor. After the harvest, as the spears grow, they develop into an airy mass of fern-like growth which serves as the photosynthetic surface of the plant for the rest of the growing season. Asparagus also bears small, bell-shaped flowers which are greenish-white to yellow in color, often followed by red berries. The plant overall has a robust and upright stature, contributing to its 'colossal' epithet.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Garden Asparagus, Asparagus, Sparrow Grass.
Common names
Asparagus officinalis.
ToxicityTo humans
Asparagus is not toxic to humans when consumed as the common edible vegetable. However, it contains compounds that may cause an allergic reaction in rare cases but is generally recognized as safe for human consumption. The parts of the plant that are typically consumed are the young shoots, and there is no widespread evidence of toxicity from consuming asparagus in normal food quantities.
To pets
Asparagus is not considered highly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, the fern part of the asparagus plant, which is not typically consumed by humans, can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested in large enough quantities. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is generally advised to keep pets from consuming non-edible parts of the asparagus plant to prevent these potential symptoms.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
5 feet (1.52 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Asparagus is rich in vitamins (A, C, E, K, B6) and minerals such as folate, iron, copper, and calcium.
- Dietary Fiber: Consuming asparagus can aid in digestion due to its high fiber content, which helps to keep the digestive system regular.
- Low Calorie: Asparagus is low in calories, making it an excellent addition to a weight-management diet.
- Hydration: Given its high water content, asparagus contributes to the body's hydration needs.
- Culinary Versatility: Asparagus can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, boiling, steaming, roasting, and stir-frying.
- Garden Aesthetic: With its tall, feathery foliage, asparagus can add a green, lush look to any garden.
- Perennial Plant: Once established, asparagus plants can produce spears for up to 15-20 years with proper care.
- Early Harvest: Asparagus is one of the first vegetables ready for harvest in the spring.
- Soil Improvement: The extensive root system of asparagus helps to break up compacted soil, improving soil structure and health over time.
- Companion Planting: Asparagus can be a good companion plant, potentially deterring harmful pests from nearby plants with its strong-scented foliage.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Asparagus officinalis has been used to promote urine production and alleviate water retention.
- Prebiotic: Contains inulin, which supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which may help to protect cells from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory: Asparagus contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Digestive aid: May help improve digestion due to its high fiber content.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Asparagus can be planted among tomatoes as it is thought to repel certain harmful soil nematodes and some pests that affect tomatoes.
- Ally in Organic Pest Control: Asparagus foliage is attractive to ladybugs, which feed on aphids, offering a natural method for reducing this common pest in the garden.
- Homemade Fertilizer: As the asparagus ferns break down after cutting in the fall, they can be turned into the soil to enrich it since they have high nutrient content.
- Biomass Production: Old asparagus stalks can contribute to biomass and be used in composting, adding organic material back into the soil.
- Fiber Source: Fibrous stems from mature asparagus plants could potentially be used as rough fiber for making paper or crafts.
- Floral Arrangements: Fern-like asparagus foliage is sometimes used as greenery in floral arrangements for its fine texture and lush appearance.
- Garden Borders: Grown for its foliage, asparagus can create a beautiful and dense garden border during the summer when it is in its fern-like state.
- Soil Erosion Control: The extensive root system of asparagus can help with soil erosion control in certain agricultural settings.
- Windbreaks for Smaller Plants: The tall ferns of asparagus can provide a windbreak for more delicate plants when planted in strategic locations within a garden.
- Edible Landscaping: Asparagus can be used in edible landscaping, providing both an aesthetic focal point and a source of food in springtime.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Asparagus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Asparagus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility - The Asparagus plant, given its rapid growth and high productivity, is often associated with fertility and the nurturing of new life.
- Rejuvenation - As asparagus plants are perennial and one of the first vegetables to sprout in spring, they symbolize renewal and the awakening of life after winter.
- Luxury - Historically, asparagus was a delicacy enjoyed by the aristocracy, and thus it symbolizes opulence and indulgence.
- Purification - Asparagus has diuretic properties and is thought to help cleanse the body, and therefore symbolizes purification and the flushing away of toxins.
WaterAsparagus (commonly known as garden asparagus) prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time, which equates to around 0.6 gallons per square foot. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water more frequently to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and give the foliage time to dry out during the day, which can help prevent fungal diseases.
LightGarden asparagus thrives in full sunlight, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day. Plant it in a spot where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade can be tolerated, but the plants might not be as vigorous and the yield could be reduced.
TemperatureGarden asparagus grows best in a temperature range between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperature lows down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage new shoots. The ideal temperature will promote healthy growth and production of spears.
PruningPrune garden asparagus by trimming back the ferny foliage after it has turned yellow or brown in the fall. This usually happens after the first frost when the plant becomes dormant. Pruning encourages healthy growth in the spring and can help control pests and diseases by removing potential overwintering sites. Cut the spears at soil level annually, commonly done at the end of the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor asparagus, a well-drained soil mix with compost or aged manure works best. Aim for a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5 to ensure nutrient availability and optimal growth.
RepottingAsparagus doesn't require frequent repotting and can typically remain in the same spot for several years. It's best to repot every 3-4 years or if the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingAsparagus prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable. It generally fares well in average outdoor humidity levels without needing any special treatment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, ensure soil drains well.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAsparagus officinalis 'Connover's Colossal', commonly known as asparagus, begins its growth from seed or one-year-old crowns. Once planted, the crowns enter a vegetative state where they produce fern-like growth for photosynthesis and energy accumulation. In subsequent years, the plant emerges in early spring with edible spears that, if not harvested, will grow into tall, feathery fronds. Throughout the summer, the fronds photosynthesize, creating food stores within the underground crowns for the next year's growth. As the season ends, the fronds yellow and die back to the ground after frost, marking the plant's dormancy period during the winter. The life cycle repeats when the plant breaks dormancy the following spring, with mature plants capable of productive harvests for up to 15 years or more.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The propagation of asparagus, specifically the Asparagus officinalis 'Connover's Colossal' cultivar, is typically best achieved through division of the crowns. To propagate by division, gardeners should wait until early spring when the plants are dormant. The process involves carefully digging up the mature crowns, which are the root systems from which the spears grow, and splitting them apart using a sharp knife or spade. Each divided section should have at least one or two buds, known as "eyes," and a portion of the root system attached. These sections are then planted in prepared trenches approximately 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters) and spaced about 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. The soil around the divisions should be gently firmed and watered thoroughly to settle the plants into their new location. This method of propagation is favored because it ensures true-to-type plants and can quickly establish a new asparagus bed from existing mature plants.
