Asparagus 'Eclipse' is a hardy perennial plant that produces thick, tender spears with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. The spears emerge in early spring, followed by fern-like foliage that matures into attractive, feathery fronds. It's a great addition to vegetable gardens, providing both culinary delights and ornamental beauty.
- Size: Asparagus 'Eclipse' typically reaches a mature height of about 4 to 5 feet (120 to 150 cm). Each spear can grow up to 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) in length.
- Planting: Choose a well-drained, sunny location for planting. Asparagus prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a trench about 12 inches deep and amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting bare-root crowns.
- Spacing: Plant crowns 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart within the trench, with rows spaced about 3 feet (90 cm) apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season and while spears are developing.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as spears emerge and again after harvest to promote healthy growth.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain even soil temperatures.
- Weeding: Keep the planting area free from weeds, as they can compete with asparagus for nutrients and water.
- Harvesting: Allow the spears to develop for at least two seasons before harvesting. In the third season, harvest spears when they are 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) tall by snapping them off at ground level. Stop harvesting when spear diameter decreases, usually around 6 to 8 weeks after emergence, to allow the plant to rejuvenate and produce foliage for the next season.
- Winter Care: Cut back the foliage after it turns brown in fall and apply a layer of mulch to protect the crowns during winter.