Position
- Requires full sun
- Needs open, sheltered site
- Avoid frost pockets and exposed positions
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C (5°F)
Soil Type
- Thrives in light, well-drained soil
- Can grow in clay soil if raised beds are used
- Needs deep, fertile soil with good organic matter content
Soil PH
- Optimal pH 6.5-7.5
- Prefers slightly alkaline soil
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Reaches 60-90cm in height
- Ferny foliage can reach up to 1.5m when mature
Seasons of Interest
- Active growth from spring through autumn
- Spears emerge mid-spring to early summer
- Decorative ferny foliage throughout summer
- Dies back in winter
Additional Notes
Key Features:
- All-male hybrid variety
- High-yielding mid to late season variety
- Produces thick, quality spears
- Good disease resistance
Growing Tips:
- Plant crowns in March or April
- Space plants 30-45cm apart
- Don’t harvest for first two years
- Regular weeding essential
Harvesting Guidelines:
- Cut spears when 18cm tall
- Harvest every 2-3 days in warm weather
- Stop harvesting mid-June
- Leave later growth to develop into ferns
Maintenance:
- Keep bed weed-free
- Apply annual mulch
- Cut foliage down in autumn
- Support tall ferny growth if needed
Common Issues:
- Asparagus beetle
- Crown rot in poorly drained soil
- Weed competition
How to Grow Asparagus Backlim for Delicious Harvests Every Year
Asparagus Backlim is a premium, all-male variety renowned for its large, high-quality spears and excellent flavour. This mid- to late-season cultivar is ideal for green and white asparagus production, making it a fantastic choice for home gardeners and commercial growers. Notably, ‘Backlim’ has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, reflecting its exceptional performance and reliability in gardens. If you’re seeking a reliable, high-yielding asparagus plant that will provide delicious harvests year after year, ‘Backlim’ is an excellent choice.
What is Asparagus Backlim?
Asparagus Backlim (Asparagus officinalis) is a late-season, all-male hybrid variety that produces thick, straight spears with a tender texture and superb taste. It thrives in well-drained soil and is resistant to hollowness, making it a popular choice for those who want a dependable crop. This variety is perfect for green and white asparagus production, offering versatility for different culinary uses.
Why Choose Backlim Asparagus for Your Garden?
- High Yield: Produces a significant number of spears each season.
- Late-Season Variety: Complements early-season varieties like Gijnlim for extended harvesting.
- Versatile: Suitable for growing both green and white spears.
- Resistant to Hollowness: Ensures consistent quality.
- Compact Foliage: Requires less space while still offering abundant growth.
How to Plant Asparagus Backlim
1. Preparing the Soil
Backlim asparagus thrives in well-drained soil with good drainage to prevent root rot. Before planting, dig long trenches about 30cm deep and 45cm apart. Fill the bottom with 7cm of well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage.2. Planting Asparagus Crowns
Crowns should be planted in early spring or autumn. Spread the roots evenly along the trench, ensuring the crowns are visible above the soil. Fill the trench gradually as the plants grow, keeping the spears exposed to encourage strong development.
3. Spacing and Depth
- Plant crowns 20cm apart within each trench.
- Cover with 7cm of soil, gradually adding more as the plants grow.
- Ensure the crowns remain at ground level to avoid rotting.
How to Care for Asparagus Backlim
Watering and Feeding
Asparagus requires consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In spring, apply a dressing of general-purpose fertiliser to support vigorous growth.Weeding and Mulching
Weeds compete for nutrients and moisture, so remove them regularly. Apply mulch around the plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.Protecting Your Crop
- Use netting to protect young spears from pests.
- Compact foliage helps reduce disease risks, but ensure good air circulation.
- Monitor for pink discolouration on spears, which may indicate fungal disease.
Harvesting Asparagus Backlim
When to Harvest
Backlim asparagus begins producing spears in the second year after planting. To allow plants to establish strong roots, avoid harvesting in the first year. By the second year, spears can be cut when they are about 20-28mm thick.
How to Harvest
Use a sharp knife or asparagus cutter to harvest spears at ground level. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production.
Growing White Asparagus with Backlim
If you prefer white asparagus, blanch the spears by covering them with soil or a mound to block sunlight. This prevents chlorophyll development, resulting in pale, tender spears.
From Darren’s Patch
Backlim is one of those varieties that quietly gets on with the job and delivers the goods. I’ve seen it grown successfully by fellow allotmenteers, and the spears are consistently thick, straight, and full of flavour — perfect for roasting or steaming with just a touch of butter and lemon. Its reputation for reliability is well earned, especially if your plot’s on the cooler side or your soil stays damp longer in spring. What I like most about Backlim is its versatility — whether you’re growing green or white asparagus, it holds its own. While I’m not currently growing it myself, I’d happily recommend it if you’re after a no-nonsense, late-season crop that’ll keep producing year after year with a bit of care and patience.
Key Points to Remember
- Choose a well-drained site with rich, organic soil
- Plant crowns in early spring in trenches filled with compost or manure
- Water regularly and feed plants with a balanced fertiliser
- Harvest from the second year onwards for best results
- Grow green or white asparagus by adjusting light exposure
Asparagus ‘Backlim’ is a superb late-season variety, prized for its vigorous growth, high yields, and exceptional flavour. Its disease resistance and ability to thrive in cooler conditions make it a reliable choice for gardeners and growers seeking dependable performance year after year. With a bit of patience during establishment and careful maintenance thereafter, ‘Backlim’ will reward you with a bountiful harvest of tender, delicious spears each spring. Whether you’re growing for the kitchen or market, this variety offers a productive and satisfying addition to any asparagus bed.
To see the RHS article, please click here.
For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here.
Want to learn about other Asparagus varieties? Read about Asparagus Xenolim here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I buy Asparagus ‘Backlim’ crowns?
A: You can purchase asparagus ‘Backlim’ crowns from garden centres and online retailers. Be sure to check the quality and age of the crowns before buying!
Q: How do I know if I should plant my asparagus crowns on top or in a trench?
A: When planting asparagus crowns, it is recommended to dig a trench and position the crowns to be visible on top of well-draining soil. This method promotes healthy growth and ensures the crowns establish well.
Q: Can I grow asparagus ‘Backlim’ in a raised bed?
A: Absolutely! Growing asparagus ‘Backlim’ in a raised bed is an excellent choice, especially if you have heavy soil. Just ensure the raised bed has well-draining soil and is in full sun for the best results.
Q: How deep should the trench be for planting asparagus crowns?
A: The trench should be approximately 6 to 8 inches deep. This depth allows the crowns to be properly covered with soil while giving them the space to establish and grow.
Q: What soil should I use when planting my asparagus crowns?
A: Mix well-rotted manure or compost with the soil for the best results. This creates optimal conditions for planting and helps your asparagus ‘Backlim’ thrive.
Q: When should I expect my asparagus spears to start growing?
A: Asparagus spears typically begin growing in the spring following planting. With asparagus ‘Backlim’, you can expect strong and vigorous growth, provided you give them the right care.
Q: What makes ‘Backlim’ asparagus different from other varieties?
A: ‘Backlim’ is an all-male variety known for its resistance to hollowness and ability to produce white and green spears. It is popular for gardeners due to its reliability and high-quality harvests.
Q: How can I ensure my asparagus plants thrive in subsequent years?
A: To maintain healthy asparagus plants year after year, ensure they receive regular watering, have good drainage, and are enriched with well-rotted manure or compost. Keeping the soil healthy is key to a successful asparagus patch.
Q: Are there any special care tips for ‘Backlim’ asparagus as it matures?
A: Yes! As your ‘Backlim’ asparagus plants mature, continue to monitor soil moisture and provide nutrients as required. Mulching is beneficial for retaining moisture and suppressing weeds, helping the plants to grow stronger and healthier.