Position
- Requires full sun
- Needs sheltered position
- Best in south-facing location
- Protection from strong winds essential
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C (5°F)
Soil
- Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil
- Best in sandy or light loam
- Avoid heavy clay soils
- Deep soil is essential for root development
- 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 ferns reach 1.2-1.5m in height
- Spread of 45-60cm per plant
- Harvest spears at about 15-20cm
Seasons of Interest
- Spears emerge in early spring
- Harvesting period April to June
- Ferny foliage present summer to autumn
- No significant autumn colour or variegation
- Dies back in winter
Flowering Times
- Small flowers appear in late spring
- Male-dominant variety with minimal flowering
- Fernlike foliage follows flowering
Additional Notes
Key Characteristics:
- Early-cropping variety
- High-yielding hybrid
- All-male variety
- Produces slender, uniform spears
- Excellent disease resistance
Growing Tips:
- Plant crowns in March/April
- Space 30cm apart
- Allow 90cm between rows
- Keep well-watered first season
- Mulch annually with compost
Harvesting Guidelines:
- Don’t harvest first year
- Light harvest second year
- Full harvest from third year
- Cut spears at soil level
- Stop cutting mid-June
Maintenance Requirements:
- Regular weeding essential
- Annual winter mulching
- Remove dead foliage in late autumn
- Spring fertiliser application
- Support tall growth if needed
Common Issues:
- Asparagus beetle
- Crown rot in wet conditions
- Slugs on young spears
- Weed competition
- Late frost damage
Special Notes:
- Good choice for commercial growing
- Suitable for forcing
- Freezes well
- Earlier cropping than many varieties
- Particularly good for small gardens
- Can be grown in raised beds
How to Grow Asparagus Gijnlim F1: A Complete Guide for Gardeners
Asparagus Gijnlim F1 is a highly productive, early-cropping variety renowned for its exceptional yields and strong disease resistance. With its bright green spears and tightly closed tips, this variety is perfect for home gardeners and commercial growers. If you want to enjoy delicious, homegrown asparagus year after year, Asparagus Gijnlim F1 is a fantastic choice.
What Makes Asparagus Gijnlim F1 Special?
This outstanding asparagus variety quickly establishes and produces high yields of tender spears with a great flavour. It has excellent tolerance to common diseases like Stemphylium and Puccinia. The spears measure between 16 and 24mm in diameter and emerge early in the season, making it one of the first varieties to harvest in spring. Asparagus Gijnlim F1 has been awarded the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit, ensuring its reliability and high performance.
How to Grow Asparagus Gijnlim F1 Successfully
Growing asparagus requires a little patience, but once established, plants can produce spears for up to 20 years. Proper soil preparation, planting techniques, and maintenance will ensure a long-lasting and bountiful crop.
Choosing the Right Location
Soil Preparation
Planting Asparagus Crowns
Crowns are best planted in early spring between March and May. Dig trenches 30cm wide and 20cm deep. Spread the roots of each crown over a small ridge of soil at the base of the trench, spacing them 45cm apart. Cover the crowns with 7cm of soil, gradually filling the trench as the plants grow.
Watering and Feeding
Weed Control
Remove all weeds by hand to prevent competition for nutrients. Avoid deep hoeing around the crowns as this can damage emerging spears.
Harvesting Asparagus
Resist the temptation to harvest spears in the first year to allow plants to establish strong root systems. In the second year, you can harvest light, cutting spears when they reach 20cm in height. By the third year, you can enjoy a full harvest, stopping at the end of May to allow the plants to replenish their energy.
Maintaining Asparagus Plants
From Darren’s Patch
Gijnlim would be at the top of my list if I had more space in the garden. Its early cropping habit and generous yields make it one of the best asparagus varieties for UK growers. What I like is its resilience — it handles poor weather well and shrugs off common diseases, making a real difference when you’re trying to establish a long-term crop. I also appreciate how quickly it settles in and starts producing decent spears by year two. Even though I’m not growing it right now, I’ve seen it thrive in friends’ gardens and allotments, and the flavour is spot on — sweet, crisp, and full of that fresh, green taste you only get from homegrown asparagus. If you’re setting up a permanent bed and want something dependable, Gijnlim is a brilliant investment.
Key Points to Remember
- Asparagus Gijnlim F1 is an early, high-yielding variety with excellent disease resistance
- Plant crowns in well-prepared, well-drained soil in a sunny location
- Avoid harvesting spears in the first year to allow strong root development
- Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture and control weeds
- Harvest spears from the second year, stopping at the end of May
- Maintain the bed with annual mulching and weed removal for long-term productivity
With the proper care, Asparagus Gijnlim F1 will reward you with fresh, delicious spears every spring for years to come.
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 Guelph Eclipse here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly are Asparagus Gijnlim crowns?
A: Asparagus Gijnlim crowns are a specific variety of Asparagus officinalis, known for their delicious spears and distinctive purple tips. They are a favourite among gardeners and can last up to 20 years with proper care!
Q: How do I plant asparagus crowns?
A: To plant your crowns, dig a trench approximately 12 inches (30 cm) deep and 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Position the crowns so they are visible at the base of the trench, then cover them lightly with soil. Be sure to space them around 18 inches (45 cm) apart for optimal growth.
Q: When is the best time to plant these crowns?
A: The best time for spring planting is when the soil is warm enough, typically from late March to April, depending on your location. This ensures your asparagus crowns have the best chance of establishing and thriving.
Q: Where can I buy Asparagus Gijnlim crowns?
A: You can purchase Asparagus Gijnlim crowns from garden centres and online retailers. For the best results in your garden, be sure to select high-quality crowns.
Q: How much care do asparagus crowns need?
A: They are relatively low maintenance! Keep the bed well-weeded, and consider applying a dressing of general-purpose fertiliser, well-rotted manure, or compost during the growing season to support healthy growth.
Q: When can I start harvesting my asparagus?
A: It is best to avoid harvesting in the first year to allow the plants to establish. From the second year onwards, you can begin cutting spears when they reach 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall, but be sure to leave some to grow and strengthen future harvests.
Q: What should I do if my asparagus isn’t growing well?
A: Check the soil drainage and sunlight levels if your crowns are not thriving. Asparagus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Adding rotted manure or compost can provide a nutrient boost to support growth.
Q: What makes Asparagus Gijnlim a special variety?
A: Asparagus Gijnlim has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its excellent flavour and high yield. It is an outstanding choice for gardeners looking for a reliable and productive asparagus.
Q: Can I grow white asparagus from these crowns?
A: Yes! While Asparagus Gijnlim is typically grown for its green spears, you can produce white asparagus by covering the shoots with soil to block sunlight, preventing them from turning green.