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Voltaire Asparagus
$19.99 – $1,999.99
It is widely used by European growers to achieve the stark white spears known as spargel. White asparagus is more tender than green, with a milder, almost nutty flavour.
Shipping & Returns
West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $9.99.
Description
More details about Voltaire Asparagus
Technically, all asparagus varieties can be blanched to produce white spears, but Voltaire has been bred specifically for the job. It is widely used by European growers to achieve the stark white spears known as spargel. White asparagus is more tender than green, with a milder, almost nutty flavour. Traditional growers pile soil or sand up around the spears as they emerge in spring, but black mulch can also be used. It may be simpler to use some kind of wooden box or inverted trash can to keep the spears in the dark as they grow. Left unblanched, Voltaire will produce tasty green spears. Voltaire is a clonal hybrid that produces vigorous, tall, all male plants. It is early yielding (once established), and adapted to temperate climates. It boasts a high resistance to Purple Spot, and intermediate resistance to Rust. Hybrid seeds.-
- Can produce green or white asparagus
- Excellent quality
- High yield potential
- Very early
- 100% male variety
All About Voltaire Asparagus
Latin
Asparagus officinalis. Family: Asparagaceae
Difficulty
Moderately difficult. Requires patience!
Season:
Cool season. Exposure: Full-sun.
Zone: Hardy to Zone 2
Timing
Start seeds indoors during winter through spring under bright lights. There will be no harvest from these these long-lived perennials until 3 years after transplanting, so be patient. Soil temperature for germination: 21–30ºC (70–85ºF).
Starting
Soak seeds for 2 hours. Plant 1 seed per 5cm (2″) pot, 1cm (½”) deep. Keep in a warm place. Be patient: they can take 2-8 weeks to sprout depending on soil temperature.
Growing
Transplant when seedlings are 10-12 weeks old and danger of frost has passed. Space 45cm (18″) apart in rows 1-2m (3-6′) apart. Transplant each plant in a hole 10cm (4″) deep and gradually cover the crown with soil as it grows. For thicker spears, space 30-35cm (12-14″) apart and set buds 15-20cm (6-8″) in the hole. For thinner spears, space 20-25cm (8-10″) with the buds 10cm (4″) deep.Fertilize after harvest and again in the spring with 1-2 cups of complete organic fertilizer per 3m (10′) of row, worked in lightly. Asparagus needs 2cm (1″) of water per week. In late fall, trim ferns down to 5cm (2″) and dispose of cuttings to avoid future disease and insect problems.
Harvest
It’s important to not harvest until the third year so that plants can become established and strong. Then harvest over a 2-3 week period. Cut the fattest spears off at ground level when they are 15-20cm (6-10″) long. When thinner spears begin to emerge let them to grow into big fronds to nourish the roots. With each successive year the harvest lengthens to a maximum of 6-8 weeks. Store in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Seed Info
In optimum conditions at least 75% of seeds should germinate. Usual seed life: 2 years.
Diseases & Pests
Rust, fusarium wilt, and fusarium stem and crown rot can all be problems. Using seed started in sterile soil instead of purchased plants, and planting in soil that has no history of disease will keep asparagus plants healthy.
Asparagus beetles can defoliate the ferns of the asparagus plant. They overwinter in the top growth, so thorough removal of the fronds in the fall (after they have died) is vital. In a small garden, simply hand-pick the voracious insects.
Encouraging beneficials like ladybugs reduces aphids. Aphids are usually found together on growing tips (look for the sooty blotches they leave behind).
Companion Planting
Companion planting is a cornerstone of organic gardening. Carefully choose companions to reduce your need for pesticides. Plant asparagus seeds or crowns with asters, basil, cilantro, dill, cilantro, marigolds, nasturtiums, oregano, parsley, peppers, sage, and thyme. Asparagus repels nematodes that attack tomatoes, and tomatoes repel asparagus beetles. We have a full list of companions to consider.
How to Grow Asparagus
Step 1: Timing
Start seeds indoors February to May under bright lights. There will be no harvest from these these long-lived perennials until 3 years after transplanting, so be patient!
Step 2: Starting
Soak seeds for 2 hours. Plant 1 seed per 5cm (2”) pot, 1cm (1⁄2”) deep. Keep in a warm place. Be patient: seeds can take 2-8 weeks to sprout depending on soil temperature.
Step 3: Growing
Ideal pH: 6.5-7.0 Transplant when seedlings are 10-12 weeks old and danger of frost has passed. Prepare beds by digging deeply in well-drained soil. Add a lot of compost or manure, and a handful of complete organic fertilizer for each plant. Space plants 45cm (18”) apart in rows 120cm (48”) apart..
Step 4: Germination
In optimum conditions at least 75% of seeds should germinate. Usual seed life: 2-3 years.
Step 5: Harvest
It’s important to not harvest until the third year so that plants can become established and strong. Then harvest over a 2-3 week period. Cut the fattest spears off at ground level when they are 15-20cm (6-10″) long. When thinner spears begin to emerge let them to grow into big fronds to nourish the roots. With each successive year the harvest lengthens to a maximum of 6-8 weeks. Store in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Tips!
Diseases & Pests: Rust, fusarium wilt, and fusarium stem and crown rot can all be problems. Using seed started in sterile soil instead of purchased plants, and planting in soil that has no history of disease will keep asparagus plants healthy. Asparagus beetles can defoliate the ferns of the asparagus plant. They overwinter in the top growth, so thorough removal of the fronds in the fall (after they have died) is vital. In a small garden, simply hand-pick the voracious insects. Encouraging beneficials like ladybugs reduces aphids. Aphids are usually found together on growing tips (look for the sooty blotches they leave behind). Companion planting: Carefully choose companions to reduce your need for pesticides. Plant asparagus seeds or crowns with asters, basil, cilantro, dill, cilantro, marigolds, nasturtiums, oregano, parsley, peppers, sage, and thyme. Asparagus repels nematodes that attack tomatoes, and tomatoes repel asparagus beetles. Here is our full list of companions to consider!Additional information
| Season | Cool season biennial |
|---|---|
| Exposure | Full sun |
| Quantity | 25, 100, 500, 2500, 10000 |
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