Species asparagus

asparagus

Asparagus officinalis 'Purple Passion'

Asparagus officinalis 'Purple Passion' is an amazing plant species to grow in your garden due to its hardy and versatile nature. It's highly tolerant of various climates and soils, and enjoys partial to full sunlight. Plus, it is incredibly easy to care for- requiring minimal attention, and is low-maintenance in its watering and pruning requirements. One of its best features, however, is its stunning purple color, which brings a touch of uniqueness to any garden or landscape. For these reasons and more, Asparagus officinalis 'Purple Passion' is a great choice for a lush and vibrant accent in your garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Crown Division

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 10

Flowers:

White to yellowish green Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Ideally, Asparagus officinalis 'Purple Passion' should be watered with 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water per week. Make sure to water the soil deeply and evenly so that the roots can receive a good soak. Water in the morning, avoiding wetting the leaves and make sure the soil is not allowed to become soggy. Allow the soil to dry out between watering as excess moisture can cause root rot or fungus growth. In hotter months, water more frequently to make sure the soil stays moist.

sunlight

Asparagus officinalis 'Purple Passion' is a light-loving plant species that is best suited to receiving full sun throughout the day. For optimal growth, this species should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. During summer months, providing all-day sunlight is beneficial for the plant, while during cooler or shorter seasonal days, it should be given supplemental light in order to achieve optimal growth. Additionally, it is important to take into account the location of the garden bed when designating sun exposure, as temperature and humidity can affect the delivery of sunlight.

pruning

For optimal health and growth, Asparagus officinalis 'Purple Passion' should be pruned regardless of the season. Pruning should focus on removing dead, yellow, or dry foliage to improve the overall appearance of the asparagus. Deadheading also encourages new growth. But excessive pruning should be avoided, as this can harm the plant’s health. Regular pruning should begin in early spring by removing any damaged foliage to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration. Additionally, any straggly or weak stems should be removed. In late spring, after harvesting season is over, at least 1/3 of the stems of the asparagus plant should be cut back to the lowest healthy bud. This encourages new stems to thrive as well as promotes better airflow in the center of the plant. Dead foliage can be pruned as it appears during the growing season. It should be cut to the ground whenever possible. Finally, once the asparagus has died back for the season, the plant should be cut to the ground. This will help control the spread of disease and improve the health of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Asparagus officinalis 'Purple Passion' typically starts flowering in May.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is asparagus classified lilies or onions?

No, asparagus is not classified as either lilies or onions. Asparagus is a vegetable that is a member of the lily family, but it is not a lily itself nor is it an onion. Asparagus is a flowering plant and its edible part is the young shoots. It is high in dietary fiber and is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and other vitamins and minerals.

Do asparagus plants not to be overwatered?

Yes, asparagus plants should not be overwatered. When planted outdoors, they should only receive enough water to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. If planted indoors, they should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch and the water should not be left to pool in the container or saucer. Overwatering asparagus plants can cause root rot and fungal diseases that can damage the plants.

Can I cultivate asparagus plant in a xeriscaping garden?

Yes, you can cultivate asparagus plant in a xeriscaping garden. Asparagus is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that can survive well in low-water gardens. To successfully grow asparagus in a xeriscaping garden, the soil should be nutritiously rich with a slightly acidic pH. Choose a spot that gets full sun and provide your asparagus bed with a generous amount of mulch to retain moisture. Asparagus requires a deep, moderately moist soil—deep enough for the roots to grow. Provide your bed with regular watering, but do not over-water. Asparagus produces edible spears in its second season so if you plan to grow asparagus in your xeriscaping garden, be prepared to be patient.

Can asparagus be growing as a cover crop?

Yes, asparagus can be grown as a cover crop. As a cover crop, asparagus is non-invasive and nitrogen-fixing. It can be planted in cool climates starting in late winter and provides a living mulch with dense foliage that can be harvested throughout the season. It also helps protect the soil and provide erosion control, and it can be mowed or tilled in at the end of the season to return nutrients to the soil. Asparagus can even be intercropped with other vegetables, helping to increase yields and prevent disease.

Should I remove any wild asparagus plants from my garden?

Removing wild asparagus plants from your garden is entirely up to your personal preference. If you want more control over how many plants you have and what plants you have, then you may want to remove any wild asparagus plants. Wild asparagus plants can spread quickly and become difficult to control and manage. If you are okay with that then you may want to leave them in your garden. However, make sure you don't inadvertently dig up the wild asparagus plants and harm them. If you do decide to remove them make sure to do it responsibly so not to obsessively disturb the surrounding environment.

Are there any health benefits of asparagus roots?

Yes, there are numerous health benefits to eating asparagus roots. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, and B6, as well as minerals like copper, selenium, and iron. It also contains many antioxidants and is a good source of dietary fiber. Asparagus root also contains essential amino acids like lysine, leucine, and tryptophan, which are important for cellular health and energy production. Additionally, Asparagus root may provide potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.