Asparagus maritimus

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Asparagus maritimus
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Xeric Mesic
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Cross Pollinated
Height:2'
Native to:
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Asparagus maritimus

Propagation: Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer[K].

Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

Easily grown in any good garden soil[2]. Prefers a rich sandy loam[3].

Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Range: S. Europe - Mediterranean.

Habitat: Sandy soils, mainly near the coast[4].

Edibility: Young shoots[5]. No more details are given but it is likely that they are cooked and used like asparagus[K].

Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure

Flower Type: Dioecious

Links

References

  1. Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
  2. Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  3. Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
  4. Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
  5. Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.