Jacq Ma Asparagus crowns - Asparagus officinalis

The Jaq Ma Purple Asparagus is planted in the form of roots, in the ground in March-April, after preparing the soil in the previous autumn. This mid-late variety gives good yields. The asparagus or shoots produced are dark purple in colour and are cultivated like green asparagus. Wait until the 3rd year to start harvesting, then harvest every year in May-June for 10 to 15 years. Once cooked, asparagus can be consumed cold as an appetizer, or hot according to your preferences: in soups, gratins, sauces...

The colour of asparagus is not due to its 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 soil. 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 thanks to photosynthesis. Purple asparagus is grown in the same way as green asparagus. Their colour will actually change from purple to green when cooked. Each variety can therefore produce white or green asparagus, depending on the growing 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 an appetizer, with mayonnaise or vinaigrette) or hot (creamy, gratins, sauces...). Green asparagus has a slightly stronger taste and does not need to be peeled.

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

Harvesting: Asparagus is harvested in May and June (from April for early varieties), when they are at least 1cm (0.5in) in diameter. To harvest white and purple asparagus, use an asparagus knife. Insert it into the ground and make a levering 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 3rd year, harvest every other spear. Then, from the 4th year onwards, only harvest 2/3 of the spears to allow the plant to continue to grow.

Storage: To fully enjoy their flavour, consume the asparagus quickly after harvest. 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.

The gardener's tip: From the 3rd year onwards, 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 rhizoctone, just like asparagus. Cut down 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.