Asparagus 'Millennium' Crown

Overview

Experience superior asparagus growing with 'Millennium', an award-winning F1 hybrid variety that represents the pinnacle of modern asparagus breeding. Named "Seed of the Year" in 2005 at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, this exceptional cultivar delivers outstanding yields of tender, flavourful spears whilst being remarkably adaptable to various growing conditions. Perfect for gardeners seeking a reliable, long-term investment in their vegetable plot.

Key Features

• Variety Type: F1 hybrid with high proportion of male plants

• Cropping Period: Early to mid-season - April to mid-June

• Mature Height: 150cm

• Spread: 50cm

• Spear Characteristics: Thick, bright green, exceptionally tender

• Longevity: Productive for 20-25 years once established

• Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -15 to -10 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H5)

Exceptional Spear Quality

Asparagus 'Millennium' produces bright green stalks that are noticeably tender and present a delicious flavour that's perfect for various recipes. This cold-hardy asparagus maintains tip tightness as it grows, ensuring spears remain tender and flavourful even as they develop. The variety produces consistently thick spears with excellent eating quality and a rich, distinctive asparagus flavour that's highly prized by gardeners and chefs alike.

Outstanding Performance

'Millennium' is high yielding, long lived, cold hardy, and adaptable to a wide range of soils. Higher yielding than Jersey Supreme, and over a longer period, with more fern vigour and survival, this variety represents a significant advancement in asparagus breeding. This variety is known for producing many high-quality, good-tasting spears, so prepare for a generous harvest!

Superior Adaptability

Developed at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, this variety is cold-hardy and tolerant to harsh winters – but is also a top performer in hot harvesting seasons. Since Millennium is well-adapted to various soil types, including heavier soils, growers can utilise land previously unsuitable for asparagus production. This remarkable adaptability makes it suitable for a much wider range of UK growing conditions than traditional varieties.

Position

Choose a sunny, sheltered location that will remain undisturbed for many years. Full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours daily ensures optimal spear development and maintains the plant's vigorous growth. Protection from strong winds helps preserve the delicate emerging spears and supports the tall ferny growth.

Soil Preparation

You can be successful growing this vegetable in a wide range of soil types – even heavy clay. However, soil improvement with generous amounts of well-rotted manure or compost added the previous autumn will maximise performance. The adaptability to heavier soils makes 'Millennium' suitable for gardens where other asparagus varieties might struggle.

Soil Conditions

Prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0, though 'Millennium' is more tolerant of varied soil conditions than most asparagus varieties. Heavy clay soils should still be improved with organic matter for best results, whilst sandy soils benefit from compost additions to improve moisture retention and fertility.

Disease Resistance

Millennium is rust tolerant, making it easier to grow healthy plants. This disease resistance is a significant advantage, as asparagus rust can severely impact yields and plant longevity in susceptible varieties. The rust tolerance means less intervention is required to maintain healthy, productive plants.

First Years

Allow the plant to establish for two full growing seasons before harvesting, though light harvesting may be possible in the second year. This patience during establishment is crucial for developing the strong root system that will support decades of productive harvesting.

Harvesting Period

Once established, typically from the third year onwards, enjoy harvesting from early April through to mid-June. The extended harvesting period compared to other varieties means more weeks of fresh asparagus from your garden. Cut spears when they reach 15-20cm tall and whilst tips remain tight.

Annual Care

Apply balanced fertiliser in early spring before spear emergence, followed by regular feeding throughout the growing season. After harvesting ceases, allow the ferny foliage to develop fully to build energy reserves for the following year's crop. Cut down yellowed ferns in late autumn.

Nutritional Benefits

Fresh asparagus provides excellent levels of vitamins C, E, and B6, plus folate, fibre, and potassium whilst being naturally low in calories. The superior flavour of 'Millennium' makes it particularly appealing for encouraging healthy eating habits in the family.

Culinary Excellence

• Steaming: Light steaming for 3-4 minutes preserves the tender texture and delicate flavour

• Grilling: The thick spears hold up well to grilling with olive oil and seasoning

• Roasting: Roast at 200°C for 12-15 minutes for concentrated flavour

• Stir-frying: Cut into pieces for quick cooking in Asian-inspired dishes

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

Garden Planning

Plan for permanent placement as asparagus occupies the same space for 20-25 years. The vigorous growth habit of 'Millennium' means adequate spacing is essential. Consider the tall summer foliage when planning surrounding plantings, as it can provide useful screening or backdrop effects.

Companion Planting

Works well near tomatoes, parsley, and basil. The adaptable nature of 'Millennium' means it's less sensitive to nearby plantings than other varieties. Avoid planting close to onions or garlic, which can inhibit growth.

What You'll Receive

Your Asparagus 'Millennium' arrives as robust, dormant crowns that have been carefully stored to maintain viability. Each crown represents years of careful breeding and selection, ready to establish into a highly productive, long-lived plant in your garden.

Growing Tips for Success

'Millennium' represents the best of modern asparagus breeding, combining exceptional productivity with remarkable adaptability. The key to success lies in proper soil preparation and patient establishment, allowing the plants to develop strong root systems before harvesting begins. Once established, this variety will likely outperform traditional asparagus varieties significantly, providing larger harvests over a longer period with greater reliability. The rust tolerance and soil adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardeners who may have struggled with asparagus in the past, offering a much higher chance of long-term success.