Asparagus, Part 3: Xmas Tree Farm

Gazing at my asparagus seedlings this morning, I realized that the last time I posted about them, they were just barely emerging from their seed coats. I was burying them in pots of dirt, worrying if I’d ever see or hear from them again. Well, I have–half of them, at least. 13 out of the 24 pots still show no signs of life (I’ll probably replant them soon), but from the other 11 have emerged some impressive little seedlings. Let me share a few of their baby pictures with you!

Four days after being planted about a 1/2″ deep in soil, the first asparagus shoots began to emerge. By the next day, they looked like this photo to the left. If the focus and lighting were better, you’d be able to see that this one looks exactly like the asparagus stalks we eat–but at one tenth the diameter!

A few days later, the shoot was stretching upward, and the tiny buds all around the stalk were getting bigger, starting to look like they might turn into actual leaves. This is where I have to confess that I’d never actually seen asparagus plants past supermarket stage. I knew they were supposed to look kind of ferny, but these little plants were going to be my first real glimpse of asparagus foliage. I was on the edge of my seat…

There was quite a growth spurt over the next few days. I tried to give the seedlings as much light as possible, to make sure they weren’t getting so tall because they were feeling shaded. Nope. Apparently they wanted to be gangly!

Well, today is Day 27 of the Great Asparagus Experiment, and take a look at these guys and gals. It’s starting to look like I traded my asparagus for a Charlie Brown Christmas tree farm! (Take a look at the fellow in the front left. Marching to the beat of a different drummer…)