Spring is the best time to plant asparagus crowns once the soil has warmed and is easy to work. Good soil preparation encourages productive harvests for many years.
Sale
Sold out
Tuberous root
Asparagaceae
Ornamental bulbs
Asperge ‘Éclipse’ 'Éclipse' (Asparagus officinalis)
Asparagus officinalis ‘Eclipse’
‘Eclipse’ asparagus produces tender, fleshy green spears with a mild, refined flavour. This vigorous variety is perfectly suited to Quebec vegetable gardens.
Quantity
3 asparagus crowns
Exposure
Full sun
Hardiness
Zone 3
Difficulty level
Easy
Discover the plant
Family
Asparagaceae
Genus
Asparagus
Species
officinalis
Cultivar
Éclipse
Type
Tuberous root
Cycle
Perennial
Green Asparagus ‘Eclipse’ (Asparagus officinalis ‘Eclipse’) is a vigorous perennial vegetable prized for producing tender, bright green asparagus spears each spring. This high-yielding asparagus plant delivers excellent flavour, tender texture, and reliable harvests, making it an outstanding choice for home vegetable gardens and edible landscapes. After the harvest season, its attractive feathery green foliage reaches 120 to 150 cm (48 to 60 in) in height, adding texture and ornamental interest throughout summer. Hardy to Zone 3, Asparagus ‘Eclipse’ thrives in Quebec gardens and, once established, can provide abundant harvests for 15 to 20 years with proper asparagus care.
Plant the asparagus crowns in spring at a depth of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in), spacing them 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart in loose, organic-rich, perfectly drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Choose a location in full sun and water thoroughly after planting, then regularly during establishment. Mulch helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Apply compost every spring to maintain vigorous growth. Avoid harvesting during the first two years to allow the extensive root system to develop fully.
Ideal for permanent vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, and kitchen gardens, Asparagus ‘Eclipse’ grows well alongside tomatoes, parsley, basil, and marigolds. Harvesting usually begins in the third year, from May through June, and productive plants can continue yielding delicious spears for many seasons. Fresh asparagus is excellent grilled, roasted, sautéed, steamed, or added to soups, salads, omelettes, and risottos. After harvest, allow the fern-like foliage to grow freely so it can replenish the crowns for the following year's crop, cutting it back only after it has completely yellowed in autumn.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in)
Spacing / density
Space plants or bulbs 10 to 15 cm apart.
Establishment temperature
18 to 24°C (65 to 75°F)
Establishment time
21 to 42 days
Best planting time
Spring
Propagation
Divide mature crowns or grow from seed. Planting crowns is the fastest method of establishment.
Growing method
Plant the asparagus crowns in spring at a depth of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) in loose, fertile, perfectly drained soil. Space the plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart and leave approximately 1 m (3 ft) between rows. Choose a location in full sun. Water thoroughly after planting, then keep the soil lightly moist until established. Do not harvest the spears during the first two years to allow the plants to develop a strong root system. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Full sun
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Hardiness zone
Zone 3
Minimum temperature
-40°C (-40°F)
Watering
Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods. Keep the soil lightly moist without overwatering.
Soil type
Loose, organic-rich, perfectly drained soil. Avoid heavy, compacted soils.
Fertilization
Incorporate well-rotted compost in spring and autumn. An annual addition of organic matter encourages abundant, long-lasting production.
Seasonal care
Weed regularly to reduce competition. Maintain a layer of mulch to conserve moisture. Cut back the yellowed fern foliage in autumn. Apply compost every spring to support long-term productivity.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
45 cm (18 in)
Suitable for containers in a free-draining mix; protect from frost when hardiness requires it.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Green
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
Small, discreet flowers appear on mature plants after harvest. They attract pollinating insects and are followed by small berries on female plants.
Fruiting
Harvest from May to June (beginning in the third year)
Harvest
May to June (beginning in the third year)
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Tomatoes, parsley, basil, and marigolds make excellent companion plants, creating a healthy and productive vegetable garden.
Avoid planting with
The main pests are asparagus beetles, slugs on young shoots, and poorly drained soils that encourage root diseases.
Ideal for family vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, and perennial kitchen gardens. Produces premium-quality spring harvests for many years.
From the garden to inspiration.
Delicious grilled, sautéed, roasted, or steamed to preserve its tender texture. It is excellent in risottos, warm salads, omelettes, or as a side dish with meat and fish. Young spears can also be roasted with olive oil. Their mild, slightly sweet flavour is especially appreciated in spring.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Harvesting should begin in the third year. Allowing the plants to establish first ensures a strong root system and long-term productivity.
Yes. A well-maintained asparagus bed can produce abundant harvests for 15 to 20 years or even longer.
Yes. Hardy to Zone 3, ‘Eclipse’ is well adapted to Quebec conditions and reliably produces every spring.
Keep the soil fertile, weed-free, and well mulched. Apply compost annually and avoid harvesting during the first two years to ensure vigorous long-term production.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
