Jamieson Brothers Gijnlim Asparagus - 2 roots for garden planting

An all-male F1 asparagus variety with bright green spears and deep purple tips that produces an exceptionally high yield. The crowns are best planted between March and May, and though a few spears can be cut the following year, it is best left for two years so that it can grow into a strong plant. Gijnlim has been awarded an Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.

SOIL PREPARATION: Asparagus requires a well-drained, fertile soil that will need to be deeply dug over before planting. For best results dig in organic compost or manure in Autumn. Choose a sunny position with protection from the wind, raised beds are ideal.

PLANTING: Prepare a trench 30cm wide by 20cm deep, then create a mound of compost in the bottom of the trench. Lay the asparagus crowns on the mound 30cm apart, carefully spreading out the roots. Loosely cover with 5-10cm soil. As the stems grow, add more soil into the trench until it is completely filled.

CARE: Water the newly planted asparagus crowns and keep them watered during dry weather. In Autumn, cut the fern-like foliage back to 5-10cm above ground level. In Spring, add a general purpose fertiliser around the plants.

HARVESTING: The year after planting, cut the first spears for a period of 7-10 days. Cut the spears with a knife 5-7cm below the ground. The second season you can harvest for a period of 4 weeks, by the third year harvesting can continue for an eight week period. Each crown can produce up to 20 spears once established.

Plant as soon as possible after purchase. Keep in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place until planting. Keep free from frost.