When to cut back asparagus ferns?

garyk · 06-30-2005, 12:05 PM

After finally excluding our asparagus-crazed German Shepherd, we were amazed at how many tasty sprouts the 10 year old asparagus bed put out.

Now the harvest is past and I know you're supposed to cut back the ferns, they have the yellow buds on them, how do you judge when to prune? And do you cut at the soil line or leave a stub? Is there a rule of thumb like at end of July?

garyk · 07-02-2005, 12:26 PM

C'mon, nobody grows this stuff - it is legal

Jennie@ifish · 07-02-2005, 03:44 PM

I'd like to know, too. My bed is only two years old. I feasted on two stalks this year. :smile:

Jen

Bucolic buffalo · 07-03-2005, 01:40 PM

Go here and it will give you anything and everything you want to know about asparagus production. If you get too many spears next year I would help you eat them.
http://oregonstate.edu/Dept/NWREC/asparagu.html

Applegate · 07-04-2005, 08:41 AM

Do not cut them, but spray once a month with a good liquid fertilizer. The fern should not be cut until it had frosted a couple of time or frozen hard. Cut at ground level. Then mulch heavily with a weed free straw.

garyk · 07-09-2005, 06:54 PM

Thanks for the source BB:

Quote:

FERN INCORPORATION
Fern growth is removed to reduce disease and insect damage. This is done by chopping or shredding in late fall or early spring. Disk or till chopped ferns no deeper than 3-4 inches to avoid damaging crowns. Leaving ferns in the field over the winter helps in holding snow cover, reducing the risk from winter damage, and increasing available spring moisture

That was pretty simple!