Asparagus Plant Pacific Purple

This fairly new variety of Asparagus bred by Aspara Pacific in New Zealand is considered to be one of the highest yielding purple types available; from our own trials we have found this to be extremely fast to mature - and whilst we would suggest the traditional 'at least one year, preferably two' before commencing harvest we have to admit we had a few spears off our in the first year!

Its very high sugar content combined with its very low fibre levels means both sweetness and tenderness are second to none. Trials in New Zealand have actually proved that purple Asparagus is not only sweeter than conventional green Asparagus but also maintain their sweetness for longer once cut; purple varieties are also known to be richer in antioxidants than green varieties. Lovely raw in salads, steamed or grilled.

Produces extremely thick spears and has an excellent resistance to Fusarium.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

• Plant out any time of the year, weather permitting.
• Plant out 9" (23 cm) or further apart in rows 18" (45 cm) apart.
• Keep plants well watered in dry spells.
• Do not cut (harvest) in the first year and do not be too greedy in the second year either.
• Always harvest by cutting through stems with a sharp knife just below soil level, avoiding stems just emerging.
• Cut down the dead 'fern' each Autumn and then mulch the bed with a thin layer of well rotted manure or similar.