Asparagus 'Jersey Giant'

One of the highest-yielding asparagus varieties with the best spear quality of all the Jersey varieties, 'Jersey Giant' hybrid is an all-male green spear with purple highlights. These extra-large spears are prized for their flavor and are borne in amazing numbers—often DOUBLING the crops of other varieties. That's what happens when you have plants resistant to rust and tolerant of fusarium root rot and crown rot. And because they're all male, they concentrate all of their energy into producing spears rather than setting seeds. The results: a bumper crop, every time! That's why 'Jersey Giant' is considered the home gardener's best choice for fresh-from-the-garden goodness. Asparagus is rich in vitamins and minerals and only has 30 calories per cup.

An Asparagus officinalis variety, 'Jersey Giant' is a disease-resistant, long-lasting perennial (Zones 3-8) vegetable that grows well in warmer climates, so you will enjoy this crop for many seasons. The 'Jersey Giant' plant will reach 4 to 5 feet tall and spread up to 2½ feet wide over time. It looks as good as its spears taste, with dense, feathery foliage of light to mid-green—very attractive in the garden.

'Jersey Giant' asparagus will return for many years, so great care should be taken when choosing a location. It grows best in a location with 6+ hours of direct, full sunlight each day. Give this cool-season vegetable very rich, consistently moist, well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.7 for best results.

Plant 'Jersey Giant' asparagus GMO-free, 2-year roots in early spring after all threat of frost has passed. Space them 12 to 18 inches apart, covering roots and crowns with soil 2 inches deep. Or grow them in trenches 4 feet apart. 12 crowns should provide enough fresh asparagus for one person for the season. Plant more if you are planning on freezing or canning the spears.