Purple Asparagus Plants
Purple Asparagus Plants
Purple asparagus is often considered superior to green asparagus for its naturally sweet flavour, tender texture, and vibrant colour. It contains antioxidants like anthocyanins, offering additional health benefits, and, with 20% more sugar than green asparagus, its sweetness makes it ideal for eating raw or lightly cooked, while its striking appearance enhances dishes.
Asparagus is a perennial and, though it can take several years to get established, an asparagus bed can produce an abundance of spears annually for 15-20 years. Once planted, asparagus is a very low maintenance crop: fertilize/feed your plants once a year and remove the dead fronds in late fall. Space plants 18" apart.
Varieties:
'Purple Passion' Asparagus
- A unique variety known for its deep, rich purple colour and tender, sweet flavour. Compared with green asparagus, the spears have a milder, nutty taste, often described as less bitter. Firm yet tender spears hold up well to grilling and roasting. Cold hardy to Zone 3.
'Sweet Purple' Asparagus
- Exceptionally sweet with a higher sugar content compared to other varieties. Tender spears with a soft texture – ideal for raw salads or gentle cooking. Vigorous growth, with spears slightly thinner than Purple Passion. Retains colour when cooked lightly. Cold hardy to Zone 4.
Common names: Asparagus, Purple Asparagus, White Asparagus
Edible: Shoots
Harvest timing: April/Spring
Scientific name: Asparagus officinalis
Light requirements: Full sun
Full-grown size: 3-5' tall x 3-5' wide
Pollination: Self-pollinating and cross-pollinating, but neither are required to produce spears.
Noteworthy: Purple asparagus is 20% sweeter than green.
WE DO NOT SHIP LIVE PLANTS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT OUR NURSERY IN ERRINGTON, BC.