[loopy]

i planted a number of asparagus crowns in march and i'm starting to wonder if it was all in my imagination as there is still no signs of life - when should shoots above ground start to appear?  having seen last weeks gardeners world, the ones they planted had a protruding vertical "tip" that looked a good inch in length when planting - mine didn't - now worried that i was either sold duff plants, or that they have died - can anyone shed light on what i should expect and when?

thanks L

[xxmillyxx]

I planted my 1st crowns in March as well and nothing yet so I am in the same boat.  This is my 1st try at planting anything other than flowers so I will be looking forward to any answers you get.

Good luck anyway

[Carolinajim]

I planted mine in March.  It seemed like forever for the plants to poke their heads above the surface.  Most of them pretty small diameter and vary from about 3 inches to 18 inches in height.  About 20 of 25 have sprouted so far.

The temperature here has gotten all the way up into the 70s and low 80s F.  After a cool start to spring.

Just wait...I bet they are just biding their time.

[Lizt]

Mine arrived in early March - didn't have the bed ready so laid them out in damp sand. Planted them 2 weeks ago and they are starting to shoot - bit spindly but 3 -4 inches - they size isn't everything!
Liz

[Guy]

our first year crop(last year) was quite plentiful but spindly , this year has been fabulous (despite the flooding) we have had several meals worth - and has been worth the investment in crowns - alas i havent had the heart to sell any yet ( far too good!) 

[loopy]

update, i have signs of life from a few of the crowns - have definite spears above the surface at last only couple of inches but at least they are not dead 

[Carolinajim]

Asparagus like horse manure by the way...give those new sprouts some food to encourage growth the first year...they also like bone meal.

Congratulations!