Seed Savers Exchange
Asparagus, Three Pound Coffee Can
Asparagus officinalis
- Organic
- From the Collection
- Perennial
- Prolific plants produce large sweet stalks
- Packet of 25 Seeds
This variety works for:
- Boiling
- Steaming
- Roasting
- Grilling
Seed Savers Exchange co-founders, Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, brought this variety with them when they moved to Decorah, Iowa, in 1984. Diane recounts its origin in her memoir, Gathering: “A few years earlier, a gentleman had sent me a three-pound Folgers coffee can full of seed. He said the plants were always grown from seed and rivaled any commercial variety, but they came to me with no name. His claim was true. These plants were eventually transplanted to a patch in front of the barn at Heritage Farm and 20 years later have developed into a magnificent bed. One good thing about growing older: your asparagus patch gets better.”
Learn To Grow It
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed but the days are still cool. Fertilize liberally for best results. An annual in zones 3-6 (vernalization recommended) or perennial in zones 7+.
- Start Indoors: 8-12 weeks before last frost
- Germination: 20-60 Days
- Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart
- Light: Full Sun