Asparagus – Eclipse (Pack of 3)
Grow delicious, tender spears for years with Eclipse Asparagus, a reliable and productive asparagus variety prized for its rich flavor and vigorous growth. This hardy perennial vegetable produces thick, deep green spears that are crisp, sweet, and perfect for fresh cooking, roasting, grilling, or steaming.
Eclipse asparagus plants establish strong crowns that return year after year, producing increasingly abundant harvests as the plants mature. Once established, asparagus can remain productive for 15–20 years, making it a long-term and rewarding addition to any vegetable garden.
Plant Details
Plant Type: Perennial Edible Crown (Root)
Vegetable Color: Deep green spears
Flavor: Tender, mild, and slightly sweet
Plant Height: 36–48 inches (fern stage)
Harvest Time: Late spring to early summer
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Package Size: Pack of 3 crowns
Uses: Fresh cooking, roasting, grilling, steaming, and preserving
Growing Instructions for Zone 3b
Asparagus is extremely hardy and performs very well in cold climates, making it ideal for Zone 3b gardens.
Planting Time
Plant asparagus crowns in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
Location
Choose a permanent location with full sun (6–8 hours daily) and well-drained, fertile soil. Asparagus plants will remain in the same location for many years.
Soil Preparation
- Loosen soil deeply and mix in compost or well-rotted manure.
- Good drainage is important for healthy crowns.
Planting Depth
- Dig trenches about 6–8 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
- Place crowns in the trench with roots spread out.
- Cover with about 2 inches of soil initially.
- Gradually fill the trench as the plants grow.
Spacing
- Space crowns 12–18 inches apart.
- Leave 3–4 feet between rows.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during the establishment period, especially in the first year.
Fertilizing
Apply compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring each year to encourage strong growth.
Harvesting
- Do not harvest during the first year so plants can establish.
- In the second year, harvest lightly for 1–2 weeks.
- From the third year onward, harvest for 6–8 weeks each spring.
Winter Care in Zone 3b
- Allow fern-like foliage to grow after harvest to feed the crowns.
- After the foliage dies back in fall, cut stems to ground level.
- Apply mulch to protect crowns through winter.
With proper care, Eclipse Asparagus will provide decades of delicious spring harvests, making it one of the most rewarding perennial vegetables for the garden.