'Purple Passion' Asparagus
'Purple Passion' Asparagus (5 spears) – A delicious and colorful project!
Growing asparagus: a project of patience for sustainable compensation
' Purple Passion' asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis ) is an original and refined variety, characterized by its deep purple spears that turn green when cooked . More tender and less fibrous than other varieties, it offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor with nutty notes .
Asparagus is a long-term investment: it takes 2 to 3 years before a full harvest, but once established, it produces for more than 20 years !
Characteristics of the variation
Planting period : March - April
Harvest : April - June (from the 3rd year onwards)
Plant height : 90 cm (36")
Exposure : Full sun
Hardiness zone : 3
Type : F1 hybrid, 100% male (optimized yield)
Rendering : Excellent
Flavor : Mild, sweet establishment with a hint of hazelnut
Deer resistance : No
Planting and growing asparagus
Planter : When and where
Plant the rootlets (claws) at the beginning of spring (March-April) , as soon as the ground is workable.
Choose a well-drained, rich and deep soil , ideally sandy or loamy.
Asparagus loves full sun and doesn't like areas that are too humid or compacted .
How to plant
1Prepare the soil by enriching it with compost and loosening it for good drainage.
2Dig a trench 15 cm (6") deep and 10 cm (4") wide , spaced 90 cm (36") apart between each row.
3Place the claws 40 cm (15") apart and cover them with 5 cm (2") of soil .
4Do not fill the entire trench immediately : gradually add soil as the shoots grow, until it reaches ground level.
5Water generously after planting.
Interview
Do not harvest in the first year to allow the plants to establish themselves properly.
Water regularly , especially during periods of drought, but avoid excessive standing water.
Apply mulch to retain moisture and limit weeds.
Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure each spring to stimulate growth.
When and how to harvest
1st year : Do not harvest , let the plants establish themselves.
2 year : Harvest lightly for 2 to 3 weeks.
Year 3 and following : Full harvest for 6 to 8 weeks each spring!
How to cut
Pick the asparagus when they are 15 to 20 cm tall , before they become fibrous.
Cut them at the base with a sharp knife or break them by hand.
Stop harvesting in June so that the plant can accumulate strength for the following year.
If well maintained, your asparagus bed will produce for more than 20 years!
How to enjoy your 'Purple Passion' asparagus
Deliciously sweet and tender, they can be cooked in a thousand ways!
Raw in a salad with olive oil and lemon
Steamed with hollandaise sauce
Sautéed with garlic and butter for a simple yet elegant dish.
Grilled on the barbecue with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar
In a creamy risotto with parmesan and basil
Kitchen tip : Their beautiful purple color disappears when cooked! For preservation, enjoy them raw or blanched quickly.
Why choose 'Purple Passion' asparagus
A rewarding and sustainable gardening project
An original variation with a sweet flavor and sugary regulations
A gourmet vegetable perfect for refined dishes
A perennial plant that will provide you with an abundant harvest for decades
Add a touch of color and flavor to your vegetable garden with 'Purple Passion' asparagus !
