Asparagus 'Gijnlim' Crown

Overview

Transform your vegetable garden with Asparagus 'Gijnlim', a premium all-male F1 hybrid variety that delivers exceptional yields of gourmet-quality spears. This outstanding cultivar produces succulent, bright green spears with distinctive deep purple tips, offering superior flavour and significantly higher productivity than traditional asparagus varieties. Perfect for the dedicated gardener seeking restaurant-quality asparagus from their own plot.

Key Features

• Variety Type: All-male F1 hybrid

• Planting: March

• Mature Height: 150cm

• Spread: 50cm

• Harvest: April to June

• Spear Characteristics: Medium thickness, bright green with purple tips

• Longevity: Productive for 15-20 years once established

• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -10 to -5 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H4)

Outstanding Spear Quality

Asparagus 'Gijnlim' produces succulent, vibrant green spears with deep purple tips that are prized for their exceptional flavour and tender texture. As an all-male hybrid, it forms no seeds which means all its energies go into spear production, resulting in consistently high-quality harvests. The variety produces top quality, medium thickness spears and is suitable for both white and green spear production, offering versatility in culinary applications.

Superior Productivity

This asparagus is known for its excellent flavour and having a higher yield than other varieties, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want maximum return from their asparagus bed. The all-male F1 variety produces an exceptionally high yield, with very early-cropping from mid-March to mid-June extending the harvest season when fresh asparagus is most valued.

Position

Asparagus needs a sunny spot with shelter from strong winds to perform at its best. Choose the warmest, most protected area of your vegetable garden as asparagus is a long-term investment that will occupy the same space for many years. Full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours daily ensures optimal spear development and flavour.

Soil Preparation

Well-prepared soil that ideally has had lots of manure or compost added in the previous autumn is essential. Asparagus 'Gijnlim' prefers rich, fertile soil that is well-drained, so generous soil improvement is crucial for success. Good drainage is important too, so if your soil is heavy and wet, it would be advisable to grow them in a raised bed.

Soil Conditions

The ideal soil should be well-draining with a pH between 6.5-7.5. Heavy clay soils must be improved with organic matter and grit, or consider raised bed cultivation. Sandy soils benefit from generous additions of compost and well-rotted manure to improve moisture retention and fertility.

Planting

The crowns are best planted between March and May when soil conditions are suitable. Plant crowns in trenches 20cm deep and 30cm apart, with rows spaced 90cm apart. Position the crown with roots spread out and cover with 5cm of soil initially, gradually filling the trench as growth develops.

First Years

Though a few spears can be cut the following year, it is best left for two years so that it can grow into a strong plant. This patience in the establishment phase is crucial for long-term productivity and plant health. Allow all spears to develop into ferny foliage during the first two years to build strong root systems.

Harvesting Period

Once established, harvesting typically begins in the third year. The very early-cropping season runs from mid-March to mid-June, providing approximately 10-12 weeks of fresh spear production. Cut spears when they reach 15-20cm tall and before the tips begin to open.

Annual Care

During the growing season, apply fertilisation with a balanced fertiliser in early spring, followed by regular feeding throughout the growing period. After harvesting ceases, allow the ferns to develop fully and only cut them down after they turn yellow in autumn.

Culinary Uses

• Fresh preparation: Steam, boil, or grill spears for 3-5 minutes until tender

• Roasting: Drizzle with olive oil and roast at 200°C for 10-15 minutes

• Soup making: Perfect for creamy asparagus soup using both spears and trimmings

• Salads: Blanched spears add elegance to spring salads

• Preservation: Suitable for freezing when blanched first

Garden Planning

Asparagus requires permanent placement as it's a long-term crop that will occupy the same space for 15-20 years. Plan for adequate spacing between plants and ensure the location won't interfere with future garden developments. The tall ferny growth in summer can provide attractive screening or background planting.

Companion Planting

Asparagus grows well alongside tomatoes, parsley, and basil. Avoid planting near onions or garlic, which can inhibit growth. The space between rows can be utilised for quick-growing crops like lettuce or radishes during the establishment years.

What You'll Receive

Your Asparagus 'Gijnlim' arrives as healthy, dormant crowns ready for spring planting. Each crown has been carefully stored to maintain viability and will establish quickly when planted in properly prepared soil.

Growing Tips for Success

Success with asparagus requires patience during establishment but rewards you with decades of gourmet harvests. Wear gloves when picking spears as they may be prickly. The key to long-term productivity lies in excellent soil preparation, avoiding over-harvesting in early years, and maintaining the plants with regular feeding and proper winter care. Once established, your asparagus bed will become one of the most valuable and productive areas of your vegetable garden, providing early-season luxury that's impossible to match with shop-bought alternatives.