For instance, asparagus spears are less expensive and generally of better quality when home grown. It is also easy to grow and attractive. The ferny foliage is lovely as it turns from green to a golden yellow in fall. Asparagus should be planted as soon as the soil can be properly prepared in the spring. The crowns resemble octopus with their crown of buds and pencil sized roots radiating from the crown.
Asparagus plants are naturally male or female plants.
They can be purchased as female plants, male plants or predominately male plants. Male plants can be 3-5 times more productive than females. Asparagus varieties to consider for Illinois include Mary Washington, Martha Washington, Waltham Washington and Jersey Centennial. To plant asparagus, place crowns in a trench 12 to 18 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Crowns should be spaced 9 to 12 inches apart in the trench.