Three Pound Coffee Can Asparagus
Item Details
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.”
- Organic
- From the Collection
- Perennial
- Prolific plants produce large sweet stalks
This variety works for:
- Boiling
- Steaming
- Roasting
- Grilling
Asparagus is prized as an early spring vegetable, and can be prepared in dozens of ways
Growing Instructions
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
Ratings & Reviews
3 reviews
Annual or perennial
by Justonlyme
Question, is this a perennial or an annual in zone 5?
Yes, this could be an perennial in your zone.
Question
by Courtney
Is this a perennial for zone 4b? And is this a type that should mature for 3 years before harvesting?
Courtney,
Yes, it is a perennial for your zone. And yes, you will need to wait at least three years to harvest...especially since you will be growing from seed.
Thank you!
Lovely ferns growing and question
by Rebecca
I started these indoors and now they are thriving in the garden. I do have a question about overwintering. Should I trim them and mulch over them with compost? I would be grateful for any advice.