Asparagus 'Gijnlim' Asparagus officinalis 'Gijnlim'

Water

Asparagus fern, commonly known as Asparagus officinalis 'Gijnlim', should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this equals about 1 inch of water per week, which can be around half a gallon for a medium-sized plant. Adjust your watering during hot, dry periods by providing additional water, but be sure to allow the soil to nearly dry out between watering to prevent overwatering and root rot. During the winter when the plant is dormant, reduce watering to once every other week or less, depending on the humidity and temperature of the growing environment.

Light

Asparagus fern thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, place your plant in a location where it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. However, if you’re in an area with particularly hot, afternoon sun, provide some light shade to prevent foliage burn.

Temperature

Asparagus fern prefers a moderate temperature range, growing best between 70°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 50°F but should be protected from frost, which can damage the plant. Avoid exposure to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations to keep your plant healthy.

Pruning

Prune Asparagus fern to remove any dead or yellowing stalks, which promotes healthier growth and prevents disease. The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer, when the plant begins to grow more actively. Cut back the ferns once a year, removing any old or woody stems to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage new shoots.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis 'Gijnlim') thrives best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. A mix containing equal parts of garden soil, compost, and some sand or perlite to improve drainage is advisable. Add bone meal or rock phosphate to ensure a good supply of phosphorus for strong root development.

Repotting

Garden asparagus plants, once established in the garden, don't require frequent repotting. They are perennial plants that can remain in the same location for 15-20 years as long as the soil remains fertile and well-drained. If grown in containers, they may need to be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate the growing root system.

Humidity & Misting

Garden asparagus prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of conditions. The humidity should not be an issue as long as the plant is outdoor and has good air circulation. Indoor plants benefit from occasional misting or a pebble tray to maintain a more consistent humidity level.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use large pots with drainage, bright indirect light, and don't overwater.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly, and mulch to retain moisture.

• Hardiness zone

  3-10 USDA

Life cycle

Asparagus officinalis 'Gijnlim', commonly known as asparagus 'Gijnlim', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or one-year-old crowns are planted in well-prepared soil during spring. The plant develops a strong root system and fern-like foliage in the first year; this growth phase is critical for the establishment of a perennial crown. In the following years, the plant enters a perennial cycle, where its spears emerge from the crowns in spring, are harvested for a limited period, and then allowed to grow into ferns that replenish the crown's energy reserves through photosynthesis. After the harvesting season, the ferns mature, producing red berries with seeds if pollinators are present, and then die back as winter approaches. The plant remains dormant through the winter, with the underground crown surviving the cold. This cycle repeats each year, with the plant typically reaching peak production after a few years and can remain productive for 15 years or more under optimal conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• Asparagus officinalis 'Gijnlim', commonly known as asparagus, is typically propagated through crown division, which is the most popular method. This practice is best implemented in the early spring before the spears have begun to emerge from the soil. Mature asparagus plants, which are at least 3 years old, are carefully dug up and the crown, which is the central part of the plant where the spears originate, is divided into sections. Each section should have a good set of roots and several buds. These sections are then immediately replanted in a well-prepared bed, spacing them approximately 12 to 18 inches apart (30 to 45 centimeters). The trench for planting should be about 6 to 8 inches deep (15 to 20 centimeters). Once planted, the sections will grow into full asparagus plants, continuing to produce spears in subsequent seasons.