Argenteuil Asparagus - Asparagus officinalis

Argenteuil asparagus is planted in the form of crowns, to be installed in the ground in March-April, after preparing the soil the previous autumn. This variety, the most well-known, is early and vigorous. It is especially recommended for the cultivation of white asparagus. Wait until the 3^rd year to start harvesting and then harvest every year from April to June for 10 to 15 years. Once cooked, asparagus can be consumed cold, as a starter, or hot according to your taste, in soups, gratins, sauces etc.

The colour of the asparagus is not due to the variety but to the amount of light it receives. White asparagus grows entirely underground and is harvested as soon as the tip emerges from the ground. Purple asparagus is harvested a little later when the tip emerges from the ground. They have a purple head and a white stem. As for green asparagus, they grow in the light and turn green through photosynthesis. Purple asparagus is grown in the same way as green asparagus. Their colour will change from purple to green during cooking. Each variety can therefore produce white or green asparagus, depending on the cultivation method, even if it is often recommended for a specific colour.

Asparagus is rich in fibre, vitamin C, and minerals. They can be cooked and consumed cold (as a starter, with mayonnaise or dressing) or hot (in soups, gratins, sauces etc). Green asparagus has a slightly stronger taste and does not need to be peeled.

Asparagus is planted in the form of crowns, which are installed in the ground. A crown is a set of underground roots. It will give birth to several young asparagus shoots, called spears. Choose carefully where you want to plant asparagus because production lasts for 10 to 15 years. In summer, after harvesting, feathery foliage will appear. This foliage can be used in flower arrangements.

Harvesting: Asparagus is harvested in May and June (from April for early varieties), when they are at least 1cm in diameter. To harvest white and purple asparagus, equip yourself with an asparagus knife. Insert it into the ground and make a lever motion to cut the asparagus. Green and purple asparagus can be cut by hand. In the first two years, do not harvest anything. In the 3^rd year, harvest every other spear. Then, from the 4^th year and onwards, only harvest 2/3 of the spears, allowing the plant to continue to grow.

Storage: To fully enjoy their flavour, consume asparagus quickly after harvesting. Asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, wrapped in a damp cloth. For long-term storage, you can freeze them or preserve them.

Gardener's tip: From the 3^rd year, you can plant other crops, such as green manure, between the rows of asparagus. They will provide nitrogen to the soil and limit weed growth. However, avoid clover and alfalfa, as they are susceptible to purple rhizoctonia, just like asparagus. Cut the green manure in autumn and incorporate it superficially.

Age: The asparagus crowns are already 2 years old, they can start producing in the 3rd year.