What Does It Mean When the Asparagus Pops and Goes to Seed?

Cycle

• When it first emerges, asparagus produces the well-loved, tender, slim spears that can be eaten. These spears are the “harvest” of the asparagus plant, and this portion of the growth cycle will last four to six weeks during the second year after planting and from six to eight weeks the third year after planting. As the spears mature, they become spindly and woody-textured at the base, which is the same time the tips begin to open. As the top portion of the spears open, they develop into fernlike foliage, which increases nutrition production through photosynthesis. The majority of energy produced during this period is stored in the roots, to encourage new growth the following year. As the ferns develop, the female spears will produce red seeds that can be planted for new asparagus plants.

Care

• When cared for properly, asparagus will continue to produce edible spears for up to 20 years, making it a wise investment that can pay off in the long term. As such, plant your asparagus in an area where the vegetable bed can be kept permanently. A raised bed is a good idea as it will allow you greater control over weeds and grass encroaching on the garden bed. Position the bed in an area that receives plenty of direct sunlight, and amend the soil with peat moss and compost before planting to ensure good soil structure. Asparagus requires well-draining soil. Do not harvest any spears the first season of blossoming, and allow the spears to pop and produce seeds, as this is required to help the asparagus fully establish itself. The soil should stay moist 2 inches below the surface, so add mulch to your asparagus plants to conserve soil moisture as well as keep away weeds.

Temperature

• Similar to bolting in lettuce, the popping, ferning and seeding process of asparagus is dependent on temperature and weather conditions. The hotter the temperature is, the more quickly the asparagus will bolt and produce the fernlike fronds. Similarly, consistent irrigation will produce tender spears and will slow down the popping and seeding process. If your area received little rainfall or is a naturally dry climate, water once a week or as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.

Points of Note

• During popping, also known "ferning out," nutrition is gathered and stored to feed the plant over winter and into the next growing season. The seeds produced after ferning out are not very useful, as asparagus plants are difficult and time consuming to start from seed. As only the female spears of the asparagus will produce seeds, some new varieties will produce only all-male spears, including the “Jersey Prince” and the “Jersey Giant.” These all-male varieties produce more asparagus because no is energy is used for seed production.