Asparagus - Storing Crowns

[Rhona]

I bought 18 crowns, about two weeks ago. I couldn't get them in as planned last weekend; and we're away most of this weekend. It's likely be a week at least before I can get to the lottie.

At the moment, they're in the bags I bought them in (plastic breathable ones), in a cool dark shed.

I'm aware that I should get them in asap but what's the best way of storing them if that's not possible? Should I put them in the soil for a week? Don't want to wreck them!

[selfraising]

I think it's important to keep the roots moist. I wrapped mine in damp newspaper until I was ready to plant.

[BUFFS]

id put them in damp mpcompost and in a cool dark place,but get them in asap as when i went to look at mine today there were 7 showing,didnt expect any yet as weather here very cool,the good weather promised never materialised but for one lovely day last week,so asparagus even more surprising..good luck with them..

[Rhona]

I'm a bit worried. I did keep the crowns in damp compost, then planted a few weeks ago. Should I see any signs of life yet? I did expect to see some signs of growth by now.

Can they remain dormant like this or is it more likely I killed them off by moving too slowly?

[Rhona]

Bumping this is in the hope Paulottie sees it.

[Nicos]

So- if my maths is correct, they've only been planted for about 3 weeks?

Were the roots still nice and plump when you planted them out- or had they shrivelled up??

If the former, then you're just being impatient sweetie!!!

good luck!

[Rhona]

So- if my maths is correct, they've only been planted for about 3 weeks?

Were the roots still nice and plump when you planted them out- or had they shrivelled up??

If the former, then you're just being impatient sweetie!!!

good luck!

Yup - planted about three weeks ago, but they didn't look nice and plump...quite the opposite in fact...

To be honest, that's how they looked when I bought them. Do you think I've been 'ad?

I'm being silly now and scraping away at the trench to sneak a look at them. I'm usually not impatient at all!

[Nicos]

Hmmm...the ones I've bought in the past have had thick 'juicy' roots-which I suppose is preferable

Well- I'd leave well alone and forget about them- just make sure they have a 'reasonable ' amount of water to see if it'll encourage them to push out new roots.
Better new roots than top growth at the moment!

[sarraceniac]

I planted 6 new crowns in late March bought from that famous nursery supplier, Wilko's . They weren't very healthy looking and they only started putting up ferns about 2 weeks ago. As I haven't started the Hollandaise for them yet I am/was not unduly worried. The ones I got last year from the same source put up a few genuine spears this year. There was a temptation to add them to the older plants' harvest of a couple of weeks ago, but I learned from experience. Where asparagus is concerned don't ever try to rush it so I left them .

I think Nicos' advice is pretty sound.

[Paulottie]

Hiya Rhona

Sorry been hopelessly busy with work ...and not a little watering lately!

Asparagus roots are plump (like bindweed) these will sent out little white hairy laterals. if they are flat and brown they may be dessicated....that said..they are tough things.

I have heard advice that you plant them a foot down ...well I only ever put 2 or 3 inches of covering and then mulch to about 6 by winter.

I don't think you should panic yet though... young crowns can take a long time...3 weeks is not long.

From whom did you get them?....to me you sound to have done everything right...so if there is no sign by midsummers day perhaps you could moan at them.

As an insurance policy against failure...a couple of dozen seeds sown into modules now would not be too expensive....I'd send you some but I'm afraid I've run out...and even if the others come up you could always squeeze another little bed in!

[Rhona]

Thanks all - much appreciated.

There's a sliver of hope then?!

Paulottie - I only buried them very shallowly, with a view to having them earthed up by the Autumn. They were dry, and shrivelled looking. I don't know whether to be heavy with the water to try to re-hydrate them, or whether that would cause any harm (though if they're dead anyway...)

I think I will contact that other specialist nursery which supplied me - Homebase - if nothing in the time period you mention.

Blinkin' Homebase! First they sell me compost which nigh on kills my seedlings, now this!

Kind of you mention the seeds - I might order some anyway, just so I feel like I'm 'doing' something towards my asparagus bed.

[Sheikh Yerboutti]

I nearly bought some t'other day. They were in polybags filled with dry wood shavings, from Holland. Didnt know what they should look like, but these looked drizabone, could almost snap them like a twig. Glad I didnt buy em now. I allways keep receipts now and got a refund for my raspys which failed to shoot.

[Rhona]

Thrilled - one of the crowns has sent up a single, pale, thin spear and the others look as though they have 'swollen' bits which might do the same. Not that I've spent the last five weeks lying on the ground with my face inches from the soil, occasionally scraping it aside, and waiting for something to happen. Twice a day.

Again, thanks for all the terrific advice. Starting an asparagus bed is something I've wanted to do for years and want to get it right!

[Nicos]

Yey!!!!

...you've clearly got green fingers!
I'm really glad something has survived- fingers crossed for the others- there's clearly still some hope for them!

Remember to take a piccie of your lovingly awaited spear!