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I need to dig up my Martha Washington asparagus and replace that section of the bed with Purple Passion. I would love the bed to be entirely the purple variety.

I can get a garden fork in the bed right now to dig up most of the MW roots.

I have Black Jack 21, a organic vinegar concoction that kills everything. Supposedly you can plant within a week or more after using it. The B J 21 has worked wonders with Johnson grass and thistle.

My goal is for the bed to only be Purple Passion. I would like to order the crowns now.

Is this an exercise in futility?

Thanks for any advice.

I think you can kill the asparagus if you dig out the crowns. The plants will have a very large and deep root system, but I don't think the roots will send up shoots if you cut the crowns off. The crowns will be at the depth they were originally planted.

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jal_ut wrote:I think you can kill the asparagus if you dig out the crowns. The plants will have a very large and deep root system, but I don't think the roots will send up shoots if you cut the crowns off. The crowns will be at the depth they were originally planted.

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Thank you so much.
I'll try that idea.

so according to the link. It's a perennial plant with annual roots. Interesting evolution.

Changed my mind.

I did try to try to dig a clump up. It was like I digging to find China. The roots were already too deep.

I cut the skinny nasty spears off.

MW shot up some nice fat spears that were tasty. So I just have to pay attention and cut her off at the pass.

Thank you for your help. I thought it was a great idea.

For any variety of asparagus, cut every spear that comes up when it is 8 to 10 inches tall. It will continue to send up shoots if you keep it cut. You can cut it for six weeks, then you have to let it grow up to make energy to store in the roots for next years crop. Do not cut the fronds until frost.

Yes, you need to check it often as the spears can get too tall and stringy quickly.

I planted asparagus last spring and didn't harvest any. This year I have some beautiful asparagus coming up. Can I harvest any this year or should I let them go again until next year ?

Thanks

I have a bed I started last season, and I plan to cut some spears. I don't expect them to be the large ones, but they will be tasty.