Where does that asparagus come from, anyway? Our experts give our questioner several options:
Q. I was wondering if you might have a source for asparagus. I’ve never found any at local nurseries in the bay area, seeds or otherwise, and think maybe I’ll have to dig on-line to find some place that sells the seeds or stalks. Any ideas?
-San Jose, California
A. There are a couple of recommendations I can give you for high quality asparagus crowns online. We have personal experience ordering from Seeds Of Change. You order your crowns from them and they have a great deal of support online for how to actually care for your crowns. Also, they are very careful about when they ship to what planting zones to ensure your best success. I did check and you are well within their shipping timeline where you live.
Also, Heirloom Acres Seeds offers both seeds and 1-year old crowns for sale. They have a wide variety and do ship to California right now.
Best of luck on your quest for growing your own asparagus. It takes a little patience but you will be rewarded greatly for your efforts!
The Lazy Locavores, Seattle, Washington
A. Most of the old varieties of asparagus get a disease called fusarium, which quickly destroys the roots. Some years back, Rutgers University began a breeding program to develop resistance. They had great success, and introduced the “Jersey” series, that is now the prominent type grown in Europe, Latin America and North America. These plants can be obtained from the exclusive grower—www.jerseyasparagus.com.
Denny Blew, Pres., Centerton Nursery, Bridgeton, New Jersey
