Asparagus is one of the earliest producing vegetables each spring. It is dioecious, meaning that there are female and male plants, but only female plants produce berries. Generally, female plants produce larger spears, and male plants produce a greater number of smaller diameter, more uniform spears. Most of the newer hybrids, such as Jersey Giant, are all male plants, producing no seeds.
Asparagus is a perennial plant that comes back from the same expanding root system every year, and needs the rest period that freezing winters provide. A bed of asparagus can last 15 years or more, so choose the bed site carefully. Choose a fertile, sunny, well-drained site with good moisture. Late spring frosts can kill emerged spears, so find an area that is not low-lying or susceptible to frost. Because asparagus plants have deep root systems, avoid areas with shallow soils or soils prone to water-saturation.
