Asparagus officinalis 'Guelph Millennium'
asparagus 'Guelph Millennium'
A vigorous, all male asparagus variety producing heavy yields of purple tipped, green spears between April and June. Bred in Canada, it is particularly cold tolerant and suitable for most soil types
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- 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 moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Plant one year old crowns or sow seed direct between March and April. Do not harvest in first year, half-harvest in second year and take a full harvest in the third year. See vegetable cultivation
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 a few spears, if any at all, in the first two years to allow the plant to build up strength. Cut the foliage when yellowed to 2.5cm above the soil
Pests
May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to foot and root rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.