Durst Organic Growers Asparagus

Asparagus is a long-lasting perennial plant (about 15 to 20 years) that requires about three years from time of planting to establish permanent roots and produce quality spears. The plants are most commonly grown from one-year-old crowns (an underground stem from which the spears shoot), providing a crop more quickly than if grown from seed. The edible stalks are shoots that develop into fern-like plants in warmer temperatures if uncut. Asparagus requires a period of dormancy. This dormancy occurs naturally in California during winter when cooler temperatures inhibit plant growth. In the first year, it is essential for ferns to develop and for the spears to not be harvested in order for the roots to develop.