Asparagus 1 Gallon - Purple Passion

Asparagus 1 Gallon - Purple Passion is a distinctive gourmet vegetable variety prized for its striking purple spears and exceptional sweetness. This unique asparagus cultivar contains up to 20% more sugar than green varieties, resulting in a noticeably sweeter flavor profile that delights the palate whether enjoyed raw or cooked. The vibrant purple coloration comes from high levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that offer additional health benefits. As a long-lived perennial vegetable, Purple Passion asparagus will provide spring harvests for 15-20 years, making it an excellent investment for any edible garden.

Key Features

Produces striking deep purple spears with 20% higher sugar content than green varieties for a sweeter taste. Contains high levels of anthocyanins, beneficial antioxidants that contribute to both color and nutritional value. Versatile culinary ingredient that can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked in various dishes. Long-lived perennial that provides harvests for 15-20 years once established. Purple color fades to green when cooked but the sweeter flavor profile remains. Larger diameter spears than many other varieties, offering substantial yield and impressive presentation.

Plant Care Instructions

1. Light Requirements:

- Requires full sun for at least 8 hours daily for optimal growth and production.

- Insufficient sunlight will result in thinner spears and reduced yield.

2. Watering:

- Water deeply once weekly, providing 1-2 inches of water during growing season.

- Established plants are somewhat drought tolerant but produce best with consistent moisture.

3. Soil Type:

- Prefers well-draining, sandy loam soil enriched with organic matter.

- Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0) for best nutrient uptake.

4. Temperature & Hardiness Zone:

- Hardy to Zone 3b, tolerating winter temperatures down to -34.4°C to -37.2°C.

- Apply 4-6 inches of straw mulch in late fall to protect crowns during severe winter conditions.

5. Fertilizer:

- Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before spears emerge.

- Side dress with compost after the harvest season ends to support fern development.

6. Pruning & Maintenance:

- Cut all ferns to ground level in late fall after they have yellowed completely.

- Wait 2-3 years after planting before harvesting to allow strong crown establishment.