Organic Asparagus 'Vitalim' (white asparagus)

Organic white asparagus plants

The Aspargus 'Vitalim' is an perennial plant that is suitable for growing white asparagus. When growing white asparagus, it is crucial to cover the asparagus claws with a thick layer of soil during the growing season, which is also called an asparagus ridge. This process is known as "hilling" or "bleaching" and is essential to prevent the asparagus from turning green due to exposure to sunlight. In the dark the plant does not produce chlorophyll, which is why it remains white.

White asparagus is softer and tastes less intense. Asparagus contains nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid and fiber and is also a good source of antioxidants.

How, where and when do I plant claws of an asparagus plant?

The ideal time to plant white asparagus claws is in early spring, when the soil has warmed but before the asparagus begins its active growth period.

Dig trenches about 6 to 8 inches deep. Keep at least 1 meter of space between the trenches. Place the asparagus claws in the trench with the buds facing up. Leave about 12 to 18 inches of space between each claw. Cover the claws with about 2 to 3 inches of soil. Begin by gradually adding soil to the trench or bed in which the asparagus claws are planted. Do this as the asparagus grows, continuing to fill the trench until it is about 8 to 12 inches above the original soil height.

Do you only have 1 asparagus to try? Then dig it in at the same depth as described above, but without a trench.

Water the asparagus beds thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and get the asparagus off to a good start. Consider mulching the asparagus beds to retain moisture, reduce weed growth and stabilize soil temperatures.

Location

Asparagus 'Vitalim' thrives best in full sun in a well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Sandy soil is ideal, but light loam soil is also good. In any case, not too heavy clay.

Care of the asparagus plant

Asparagus needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Water deeply to ensure the roots stay well hydrated. When the plant has completely died in the autumn, the remains are cut away to the ground to prevent pests and diseases.

Asparagus beds can last for decades if properly maintained. Continue feeding the plants and maintaining good soil health.

We recommend Bio Kultura for organic potting soil, plant food and other soil improvers!

Harvest:

Only start harvesting the second year after planting the asparagus claws. In the first year it is important to let the plants grow and become stronger.

White asparagus should be harvested when they reach a height of about 20-25 centimeters. This is the time when they are still growing underground and retain their characteristic white color. The harvest season for white asparagus is shorter than that of green asparagus from March to June.

Harvesting white asparagus that grows underground requires care and precision so as not to damage the stems. Use a special asparagus cutter or knife. This tool is designed to cut the asparagus underground without damaging the roots or other stems.

Locate the asparagus bud by carefully pushing away the soil around the asparagus with your hand. The asparagus bud is located at the top of the stem. Place the asparagus pick or knife about 6 to 8 inches underground, near the base of the stem, and carefully cut through the stem. Cut diagonally, just below the asparagus bud. Carefully pull the cut asparagus up from the ground. Make sure the length of the stem remains intact.

After the asparagus has been harvested, the hole in the ground is filled again using a rake or simply by hand.

Continue harvesting the white asparagus until all mature stems have been harvested. Because white asparagus is only harvested once a year, it is important to be careful not to damage the plants.

Propagation

Asparagus beds can thicken over time. You may choose to divide older plants to obtain new root cuttings. Replant the root cuttings in the desired location.

Edible

White asparagus can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, steaming, boiling or even raw.

Click here for a delicious recipe from Chef Alain from Binnenstebuiten TV.

Origin of the asparagus

Asparagus is an ancient vegetable that has been cultivated for thousands of years. The origin of asparagus probably lies in the coastal areas of Europe, West Asia and North Africa. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were familiar with asparagus and valued it for both culinary and medicinal reasons. Asparagus was considered a delicacy and believed to have medicinal properties, such as a beneficial effect on the kidneys.

Asparagus spread through Europe over time. Roman emperors were said to have grown asparagus, and this practice continued into medieval and later times.

Organic Asparagus 'Vitalim' - Skal NL-BIO-01 certified: 109459

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Characteristics

NL-BIO-01