Asparagus officinalis 'Backlim'
asparagus 'Backlim'
A long-lived perennial grown for its edible young shoots called spears. These are harvested in spring and early summer, then the plant allowed to grow on, producing tall stems with airy, feathery foliage which may need support. This is an all male, reliable, mid- to late season cultivar with good yields of straight, tasty spears
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- The young shoots (spears) are edible when cooked. Wear gloves for picking spears as they may a cause skin allergy. Fruits are harmful if eaten
- Genus
Asparagus can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, sometimes climbing, with tuberous rootstock. Stems bear both inconspicuous scale-like leaves and larger, leaf-like phylloclades, with small white or pinkish flowers followed by red berries
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil, or in raised beds. Mulch in winter, fertilise in spring and keep weed free. See Asparagus (Grow your own)
Propagation
Propagate by crowns. Although propagation by seed is possible, it is not advisable as seedlings take longer, and may not be male cultivars which produce better plants
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut down foliage to ground level once yellowed in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to foot and root rots and violet root rot
Get involved
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