Lesser asparagus

An easily grown plant, succeeding in any good garden soil. Prefers a rich sandy loam. Plants tolerate considerable neglect on our Cornish trial grounds[K]. Plants are very tolerant of maritime exposure[K]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information Temperature Converter Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit: Celsius Fahrenheit: The PFAF Bookshop Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants , Edible Perennials , Edible Trees , Edible Shrubs , Woodland Gardening , and Temperate Food Forest Plants . Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical) . Shop Now

Edible Parts: Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[22, 46, 61]. An asparagus substitute, it is preferred by gourmets for its stronger flavour[132, 183]. Excellent when seasoned with oil and lemon juice. Thin, bitter and often stringy according to another report. Very aromatic. A uniquely bitter aromatic flavour. The new shoots are rather thin and are not produced in abundance[K]. Shoots are collected in the spring along the Croatian coast and islands, eaten in risottos, and fried with scrambled eggs. References More on Edible Uses

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[K]. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.