Ohio State University Extension

Horticulture and Crop Sciences

Asparagus Production Management and Marketing

Bulletin 826

Carl J. Cantaluppi, Jr. North Carolina Extension Service

Robert J. Precheur Ohio State University Extension

Introduction
History
Areas of Production
Climate, Site Selection, and Soils
Varieties and Plant Characteristics
Table 1. Product From Fifty Plants Each, Male and Female
New Jersey Male Hybrids
Table 2. Yields of Asparagus Varieties Across the U.S.
California Hybrids
Open-Pollinated Varieties
Planting
Old Planting Techniques and New Growing Methods
Growing Crowns for Establishing Production Fields
White Asparagus Production Using Opaque Covers
Mineral Nutrient Composition of Green and White Asparagus Spears
Preparation for Harvest
Harvesting
Maintaining the Asparagus Planting
Yields
Handling, Grading, and Storage
Weed Control
Insects and Diseases
Costs
Direct Marketing
Pick-Your-Own Marketing
Wholesale Marketing
Outlook on the Future
Table 3. Estimating Spear Growth of Asparagus
Table 4. Estimated Costs and Returns of Asparagus Production (1996)
Literature Cited

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.

TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868

Ohio State University Extension

Horticulture and Crop Sciences

Asparagus Production Management and Marketing

Bulletin 826

Contents