Position
- Requires full sun, but can tolerate light shade
- Prefers a sheltered location to protect delicate spears from wind
- Avoid growing in frost pockets or overly exposed areas
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C (5°F)
- Can withstand typical UK winter temperatures
Soil
- Thrives in light, well-drained soil
- Can adapt to loam, sandy, or amended clay soils if drainage is improved
- Requires fertile soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure
- Optimal pH 6.5-7.5
- Grows well in neutral to slightly alkaline soil
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Mature spears reach up to 1.5m when left to grow into ferny foliage
- Spread of 45-60cm per plant
- Harvest spears at about 15-20cm
Seasons of Interest
- Visible interest begins from mid-spring with emerging spears
- Cutting season runs until early summer (April to June)
- Ferny, feathery foliage decorates the garden through summer and autumn
- Dies back entirely in late autumn with no autumn colour or variegation
- Produces small, inconspicuous flowers in early to mid-summer
- Male-dominant variety means fewer flowering instances for higher spear yields
Additional Notes
Key Features:
- A productive, disease-resistant hybrid.
- Offers high-quality, straight green spears with delicate flavour.
- Suited to both home and commercial production.
Planting and Care Advice:
- Plant dormant crowns in early spring (March-April).
- Space crowns 30–45cm apart in trenches.
- Avoid harvesting for the first two years after planting to allow establishment.
- Keep beds well-weeded and weed by hand to avoid damaging shallow roots.
Harvesting:
- Harvest spears when they are 15-20cm tall using a sharp knife just below the soil surface.
- Stop harvesting in mid-June to allow ferns to grow and strengthen the crown for the next season.
Maintenance Requirements:
- Annually top-dress beds with organic matter in winter to preserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water newly planted crowns regularly in dry periods.
- Remove dying foliage in autumn and cut back ferns to ground level.
Common Challenges:
- Watch for asparagus beetles and slug damage.
- Crown rot may occur in poorly-draining soil.
- Protect emerging spears from late frosts.
Special Notes:
- An excellent choice for first-time asparagus growers due to its hardiness and ease of care.
- Leftover spears left unharvested can add delicate greenery to ornamental garden beds
From Planting to Picking: How to Grow Asparagus Erasmus Like a Pro
Asparagus Erasmus is a game-changing variety for gardeners looking to grow high-yielding, flavourful purple asparagus. This vigorous F1 hybrid is specifically bred for the UK climate, delivering exceptional yields outperforming other purple varieties. Asparagus Erasmus is the perfect choice if you’re eager to cultivate tender spears with an intense purple colour and excellent flavour. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting asparagus crowns to harvesting the delicious spears.
What Makes Asparagus Erasmus Special?
Asparagus Erasmus is the first all-male purple asparagus variety, making it a superior choice for productivity. Unlike traditional asparagus, Erasmus produces thick spears with a deep purple hue that remains vibrant even after harvesting. It’s rich in antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your diet. This variety also offers enhanced performance, with spears weighing between 40 and 70 grams per crown. If you’re looking for a high-yielding and reliable asparagus variety, Erasmus is an excellent investment for your garden.
How to Plant Asparagus Erasmus Crowns
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Dig a trench 20cm deep by 30cm wide, and fill the bottom with 7cm of well-rotted manure or compost.
- Spacing: Space the crowns 45cm apart to allow ample space for root development.
- Planting Depth: Spread the roots of the crowns evenly in the trench and cover them lightly with soil.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the first growing season.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
When and How to Harvest Asparagus Erasmus
Patience is key when growing asparagus. Resist harvesting in the first year to allow the crowns to establish strong root systems. By the second year, you can start harvesting spears that reach 18 inches (about 39cm) in height. Cut them with a sharp knife at ground level, ensuring the plant remains undisturbed. This variety produces high yields for many years when well-maintained.
The Unique Flavour and Culinary Uses of Asparagus Erasmus
One of the standout features of Asparagus Erasmus is its excellent flavour. The thick spears are tender, sweet, and perfect for eating raw or cooked. Unlike other varieties, the rich purple colour remains vibrant, adding a striking touch to dishes. Try roasting, grilling, or steaming the spears to enhance their natural sweetness.
The Benefits of Growing Asparagus Erasmus in the UK
Erasmus has been specifically bred for the UK climate, making it a reliable performer in local gardens. This variety delivers higher yields than traditional purple asparagus, producing up to three times more spears. Its robust nature ensures resistance to common asparagus diseases, while the ferns stand better against wind damage.
Common Issues and How to Overcome Them
- Weed Competition: Keep the asparagus bed weed-free by mulching regularly.
- Soil Drainage: Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
- Pest Control: Watch for aphids and asparagus beetles, which can damage young spears.
From Darren’s Patch
Erasmus is one of those varieties I watch — modern, productive, and tailor-made for UK growers. I love adding purple asparagus to the plate; it’s visually striking and has a wonderfully sweet, nutty flavour that’s quite different from standard green types. While it’s not currently in my own garden, I’ve seen it flourish in nearby plots, and the yields are impressive. Its ability to handle our unpredictable weather while producing such thick, tender spears stands out. If you’re after something a bit different that still delivers on flavour and reliability, Erasmus is well worth a spot in your veg bed. Just be patient in those early years — the long-term payoff is fantastic.
Key Points to Remember
- Asparagus Erasmus is a high-yielding, all-male purple asparagus with thick, tender spears
- Plant crowns in well-drained soil, spacing them 45cm apart
- Harvest spears from the second year onwards for the best yield
- The variety is resistant to common asparagus diseases and thrives in the UK climate
- Erasmus spears are rich in antioxidants and have an excellent flavour, perfect for culinary use
By growing Asparagus Erasmus, you’ll enjoy an abundant supply of delicious, high-quality asparagus that enhances your garden and plate. Start planting today for a rewarding harvest!
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 Backlim here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Asparagus Erasmus?
A: Asparagus Erasmus is the first all-male purple asparagus variety bred specifically for the UK climate. This vigorous F1 variety has been specifically bred for enhanced performance, delivering yields that exceed other purple varieties by 2 to 3 times. Erasmus produces thick spears with an intense purple colour and excellent flavour, which can be eaten raw or cooked. The rich colour is often lost on cooking, so many enjoy it fresh for salads. Being perennial, it will return year after year when grown in a well-prepared asparagus bed, making it a long-term investment for both allotment and cottage garden growers.
Q: How do I plant Asparagus Erasmus?
A: Planting Asparagus Erasmus requires preparation for lasting results. Dig long trenches 20cm deep by 30cm wide in full sun. Fill the bottom of the trench with 7cm of well-rotted manure or garden compost, then form a low mound along the length of the trench. Spread the roots of the asparagus crowns on top of the mound, ensuring crowns are planted without delay. Place them at a distance of 45cm apart, with the crown just visible. Cover with soil and firm lightly. Remove all weeds beforehand and ensure the site has good drainage for healthy, vigorous growth.
Q: How should Asparagus Erasmus be cared for?
A: To care for Asparagus Erasmus, keep the bed free from weeds and feed annually in early spring with a dressing of general-purpose feed—mulch with rotted manure or garden compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Allow the spears to grow into tall ferns after the harvesting period, as this builds energy for subsequent years. In autumn, cut back the yellowing foliage to ground level. Avoid harvesting in the first two years after planting to allow the perennial crowns to establish fully. With proper care, asparagus plants can remain productive for 20 years or more.
Q: When can I harvest Asparagus Erasmus?
A: Asparagus Erasmus should not be harvested in the first two seasons, allowing the crowns to develop strength. In the third year, begin harvesting tender spears for six weeks, gradually increasing to eight weeks in subsequent years. Erasmus produces thick spears with an intense purple colour, rich in antioxidants, and offers excellent flavour. Harvest in mid-spring, cutting spears when they are around 18in tall. This F1 variety has been bred for the UK climate, delivering yields that exceed other purple varieties, and the spears start appearing reliably once the plants reach full maturity.
Q: Can Asparagus Erasmus be grown in pots?
A: Yes, Asparagus Erasmus can be grown in a large pot or raised bed if space is limited. Choose a deep container of at least 100cm in diameter, filled with quality compost enriched with well-rotted manure or garden compost. Ensure good drainage to prevent crown rot. While growing in pots may reduce longevity compared to an open asparagus bed, it is still possible to enjoy a crop of thick spears with an intense purple colour and excellent flavour. Regular watering, feeding, and removing weeds will keep your plants vigorous and productive.
Q: Where can I buy Asparagus Erasmus?
A: You can buy Asparagus Erasmus from most UK-based garden centres, specialist nurseries, and reputable online plant retailers. When searching for asparagus crowns for sale, ensure they are fresh and from a trusted source to guarantee strong establishment. Many suppliers stock this high-yielding variety in the form of fully mature crowns ready for planting in spring. Ordering early in the season ensures that you receive your asparagus plants in perfect condition for planting, giving your new asparagus bed the best possible start for years of delicious, tender spears.