<p>This second generation (F2) asparagus is an outstanding variety for the Coast and other mild climate areas. UC157 F2 gives the advantage of earlier production and heavier total yields than some of the older commercial varieties. Three to five dark green spears are produced from each mature crown. The spears are 1.5-2mm (1/2-3/4 in.) in diameter, with light bracts. Moderate tolerance to fusarium root rot.</p><p>CULTURE: Seed is best started indoors. Soak the seeds for 2 hours. In 15cm (6 in.) pots, sow 1cm (1/2 in.) deep using sterile seeding mix at 21-26 deg. C (70-80 deg. F) and keep moist. Transplant into prepared beds 45cm (18 in.) apart with rows 1-2m (4-6 ft.) apart, 10-12 weeks after sowing and after the danger of frost has passed. Set the plants in furrows 10cm (4 in.) deep and gradually cover with soil as the plants grow. Mark the small plants with a stake so they don’t get lost in the spring. Asparagus roots like to go deep, so a well-drained, deeply-dug bed with lots of added manure or compost is the secret to a good crop. Keep uniformly moist, about 2cm (1 in.) of water per week. Asparagus is a heavy feeder; 1-2 cups of organic fertilizer per 3m (10 ft.) of row, worked in lightly, provides good nutrition early in the spring and again after harvest. A heavy mulch of seaweed, salt and all, can be applied after harvest to keep the weeds down. Trim the ferns down to 5cm (2 in.) after they die down in the fall and remove to avoid any disease or insect problems. <p>DISEASE: Rust, fusarium wilt and fusarium stem and crown rot. Using seed started in sterile soil instead of planting crowns, keeping the plants growing vigorously, and not planting in soil that has diseased plants, will help to keep your plants healthy. <p>INSECTS: Asparagus beetles can cause severe damage. They overwinter in the fronds, so thorough removal of the fronds in the fall is vital. In a small garden, hand picking the insects will work, as will dusting with Rotenone. Slugs and wood bugs must also be controlled. <p>HARVEST: A moderate 2-3 week harvest can be expected the third year. Cut or break the fattest spears off at ground level when they are 15-20cm (6-10 in.) long. As the spears get thinner during the harvest, leave them to nourish the roots for next year’s harvest. With each successive year the harvest window lengthens to a maximum of 6-8 weeks. <p>SEEDSPEC: Minimum germination rate: 75%. Usual seed life: 2 years.</p><p>Asparagus grows wild in the Mediterranean and was popular in the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This perennial vegetable will produce well for years once the roots become established.</p>
