Asparagus fern, should I cut it back?

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kathy_ann Judsonia, AR(Zone 7b) May 21, 2008

I am still picking asparagus, but slowing down, I also have some pencil sized asparagus that i'm not picking this year , it s ferning out, now the big asparagus is slowing down growing, should I cut the ferns back till I'm done picking , then let it all fern out at once?

kathy

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PeggieK Claremore, OK(Zone 6a) May 22, 2008


Mine is doing about the same thing. I think you are supposed to let it go ahead and feather out if it gets that far. Seems like I thought it was supposed to stay that way until the fall when it gets cold and you cut down the ferns then ? Makes strength for the next years' crop ?
I'm far from an expert, so maybe some of the more experienced asparagus folks will help us here.

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) May 22, 2008

That's what I do. Any stalks I don't cut to eat are left to grow until they die back in fall.

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nedweenie Windsor, CT(Zone 6a) May 24, 2008

And keep tending them. Water, compost, etc. All season. Cut down or burn the completely dead ferns in fall or winter. Asparagus is often ignored after harvest- but if you keep treating them well afterwards, and boost their root systems, you will be rewarded next spring with a better crop!

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) May 24, 2008

Yes, the growing season is when they need to be fed.

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PeggieK Claremore, OK(Zone 6a) May 30, 2008


My ferns are getting out of control. They are over 6' tall, leaning over other crops.............and covered with seeds. Is it ok to trim them just a little when they start taking over ? They didn't do this last year. Evidently they just had a major growth-spurt. They are acting like a big clumsey teen ager. Slouched all over the place. lol.

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LTilton Glen Ellyn, IL(Zone 5b) May 30, 2008

I stake them up. A couple of tall poles at the ends of the row and a couple of loops of twine to hold them.

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PeggieK Claremore, OK(Zone 6a) May 30, 2008

Ah, I hadn't thought of tying them up. Great idea ! Thanks

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