Asparagus ‘Erasmus’ F1 is the first all-male purple asparagus, and offers enhanced performance over other purple varieties, which tend to have lower yields and lax ferns.
This vigorous F1 variety has been specifically bred for the UK climate delivering yields that exceed other purple varieties by 2 to 3 times. The dark purple spears are rich in antioxidants and will add colour to your plot and delicious texture and flavour to your plate – the tight-tipped spears are especially tender as they have much less of the fibrous lignin normally found at the base of asparagus spears. This makes them perfect for enjoying raw and making the most of their rich colour, some of which will be lost on cooking. The ferns stand better than other purple varieties, although some support is advisable. Height: 100cm (39in). Spread: 45cm (18in).
Growing Information
Prepare permanent asparagus beds well in advance of receiving your order so that the crowns can be planted without delay. Choose a sheltered position in full sun. Asparagus beds should be richly fertile and well drained. Remove all weeds, and incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the soil to improve soil structure and fertility. On cold, wet soils the addition of sharp sand or grit will help to improve drainage.
Dig long trenches, 20cm (10″) deep by 30cm (12″) wide, and fill the bottom of the trench with 7cm (3″) of well rotted manure or garden compost. Mound up soil on top of the manure to form a ridge along the length of the trench and place the asparagus crowns on top of ridge with their roots draped over the edge of the ridge at a distance of 45cm (18″) apart. Cover the crowns with 7cm (3″) of soil and firm them into their positions.
