Asparagus tenuifolius — Edible Plant

Summary

A perennial growing 1m in height with flowers appearing in May. Dioecious species requiring both male and female plants for seed production and not self-fertile. Suitable for light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Accepts mildly acid, neutral, and basic soil pH. Requires full sun and tolerates both dry and moist soil conditions.

Description

A perennial growing 1m in height with flowers appearing in May. Dioecious species requiring both male and female plants for seed production and not self-fertile. Suitable for light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Accepts mildly acid, neutral, and basic soil pH. Requires full sun and tolerates both dry and moist soil conditions.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots. No more details are given but it is likely that they are cooked and used like asparagus.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Europe, Slovenia,

Cultivation

Easily grown in any good garden soil. Prefers a rich sandy loam. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.