Asparagus Connover's Colossal Seeds For Planting, Grow Giant and Delicious Asparagus

Connover's Colossal Asparagus is a classic and highly sought-after variety, known for its large, tender spears and delicious flavor. Here’s an overview of this asparagus variety and how to plant and care for it:

Key Features:

• Product Name: Asparagus Connover's Colossal Seeds
• Plant Type: Perennial vegetable (produces for 15-20 years or more)
• Sunlight Needs: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5
• Ideal Uses: Perfect for steaming, grilling, roasting, or adding to soups and salads. The spears can be eaten fresh or preserved by freezing.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, tender, and mild flavor, often considered one of the best-tasting asparagus varieties.
• Product Details:
  • Seed Quality: Non-GMO, heirloom seeds known for high germination and excellent vigor.
  • Mature Size: Asparagus spears can grow 7-10 inches tall in the first season, and mature plants can yield thick, giant spears up to 12 inches long or more in later years.

Planting Instructions:

• Seed Preparation:

  • Soaking (Optional): Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination.
  • Stratification: Cold-stratify the seeds by placing them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before planting to break dormancy.
  • Germination Temperature: Asparagus seeds germinate best at 70-85°F (21-29°C).

• Sowing Instructions:

  • Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last frost to give them a head start. Transplant them outdoors in early spring or after the danger of frost has passed.
  • Outdoor Sowing: You can direct sow seeds outdoors in early spring once the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C).
  • Spacing: Space seeds 2-3 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. Once established, thin to 12-18 inches apart for optimal growth.

Care & Maintenance:

• Watering: Asparagus requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth but avoid waterlogging the soil.
• Fertilization: Asparagus is a heavy feeder, so add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil at planting time. A balanced fertilizer can also be applied during the growing season to encourage strong growth.
• Mulching & Weeding: Apply mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, keep weeds under control, and regulate soil temperature. Be diligent with weeding in the first few years.
• Cutting Back: Allow the asparagus ferns to grow after harvesting the spears to help the plant build energy for the next season. Cut back the ferns in late fall or early winter once they turn yellow.

Harvesting & Storage:

• Harvesting Time: In the first year, avoid harvesting to allow the plants to establish. After 2-3 years, begin harvesting spears when they are about 6-8 inches tall. Stop harvesting when the spears begin to thin out and the plants need to regenerate.
• Harvesting Method: Gently snap or cut the spears at ground level using a sharp knife.
• Storage: Fresh asparagus should be used within a few days or stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp towel. Alternatively, asparagus can be blanched and frozen for long-term storage.

Tips for Success:

• Patience: Asparagus is a long-term investment and may take 2-3 years to start producing a significant harvest. However, once established, it will yield for many years.
• Support: Asparagus plants do not need much in terms of structural support, but staking the ferns can help them stay upright and protect them from wind damage.
• Pest Control: Common pests include asparagus beetles and aphids. Use organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.