Position
- Full sun or light dappled shade
- Sheltered or exposed sites both suitable
- Open, sunny position preferred for best yields
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
- Particularly well-suited to cooler UK climates
Soil Type
- Well-draining, light, open soils
- Suitable for most soil types except heavy clay
- Soil must be free-draining
Soil PH
- Any pH except highly acidic
- Best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions
- pH 6.5-7.5 optimal
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: 90cm-1m (35-39 inches)
- Spread: 45-60cm (18-24 inches)
- Harvest spears at about 15-20cm
Seasons of Interest
- Spring: Edible spears emerge April-June
- Summer: Feathery fern-like foliage
- Flowers: Small, greenish-white bell-shaped blooms
- Autumn: Foliage yellows before dying back
Additional Notes
- Native to Canada, specifically bred for cold climates
- Produces medium to large thickness spears
- Shows exceptional vigour and robust growth
- First harvest should be avoided in year one
- Light harvesting only in second year
- Can remain productive for over 20 years
- Requires regular watering during establishment
- Benefits from annual mulching with organic matter
- Must remove yellowed foliage in late autumn
- Excellent disease resistance and weather tolerance
- Higher than average yields from early harvesting years
Grow Your Own Asparagus with 'Guelph Eclipse' – A Vigorous Hybrid for High Yields
Asparagus Guelph Eclipse is an excellent choice for gardeners who want fresh, delicious spears. This vigorous hybrid performs best in cool areas and is well suited to the UK climate. It produces high yields of tender green spears with excellent spear quality, even in poor weather conditions. If you’re looking for a productive and reliable variety, ‘Guelph Eclipse’ is an outstanding option.
What Makes Asparagus Guelph Eclipse Special?
Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ is a high-yielding, early-mid season variety that performs exceptionally well in cooler climates. Originating from Canada, it is well suited to the UK climate and produces strong ferns that tolerate poor weather conditions. This hybrid is easy to grow and offers a long harvesting period.
How to Plant Asparagus Guelph Eclipse
Planting asparagus properly ensures a healthy, productive crop for years to come. Follow these steps to give your asparagus crowns the best start:
- Choose a sunny site: Asparagus thrives in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Prepare the soil: Remove all weeds and dig long trenches, ensuring they are 30cm deep by 90cm wide.
- Add organic matter: Fill the bottom of the trench with 7cm of well-rotted manure or garden compost.
- Planting crowns: Space the asparagus crowns at a distance of 45cm apart and cover them with soil, firming gently.
- Water well: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Soil Requirements for Healthy Growth
When and How to Harvest Asparagus Spears
Patience is key when growing asparagus. The first harvest years are limited to allow plants to establish strong root systems. Follow these guidelines:
- Year 1: Avoid harvesting to allow ferns to develop fully.
- Year 2: Harvest a few spears but leave plenty for the plant’s development.
- Year 3 onwards: Harvest spears when they reach 20cm in height, ensuring that all the plants remain strong.
Caring for Asparagus Plants
- Asparagus beetles: Handpick beetles and larvae from plants to prevent damage.
- Fungal diseases: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues.
- Slugs and snails: Protect young spears with organic slug deterrents.
Why Choose Asparagus Guelph Eclipse?
This vigorous hybrid is well suited to the UK climate and offers excellent spear quality. It produces tender white asparagus and high yields in the first years. The ferns that develop are strong and tolerant of poor weather, ensuring a reliable crop year after year.
From Darren’s Patch
While I’m not currently growing ‘Guelph Eclipse’ myself, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. If you have a bit of space and the patience to wait those first couple of years, this variety pays off with generous crops of top-quality spears. Its resilience in cooler, damp UK weather is a real bonus too. I especially appreciate how strong the ferns are — they support next season’s growth and add a lovely touch of structure to the veg patch. If you plan to set up an asparagus bed, this is definitely one to consider for long-term success and flavour.
Key Points to Remember
- Choose a sunny, well-drained site
- Prepare the soil with plenty of organic matter
- Space plants correctly to allow for strong root development
- Avoid harvesting in the first year to promote healthy plants
- Mulch annually and prune ferns in autumn
Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ is well-suited to UK growing conditions, offering excellent cold tolerance and consistent yields. Its robust nature and adaptability to various soil conditions make it an excellent choice for novice and experienced British garden growers. With the right care, asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ will reward you with delicious, homegrown spears for many years.
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 Gijnlim here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I plant Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ crowns?
A: To plant your ‘Guelph Eclipse’ crowns, dig a trench about 30cm deep and 60cm wide. Space the crowns approximately 60cm apart and cover them with soil, firming it down gently. Plant them without delay to give them the best chance to thrive!
Q: What kind of soil do I need for Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’?
A: This variety thrives in well-drained soil. Mixing in well-rotted manure or compost will improve soil fertility and drainage. For the best results, aim for a soil pH between 7.0 and 7.5.
Q: How tall do the ferns of asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ grow?
A: Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ ferns can grow quite tall, reaching up to 90cm in height. They are attractive and essential for the plant’s health, as they help store energy for the following season’s growth.
Q: When can I start harvesting asparagus from my ‘Guelph Eclipse’ plants?
A: Before harvesting, you should wait around 2-3 years after planting. This allows the crowns to establish properly and develop strong root systems. Once mature, you can enjoy delicious spears each spring. Patience is key, but the rewards are well worth the wait!
Q: Are there any specific Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ care tips?
A: Yes! Please regularly remove weeds around your asparagus beds and ensure they get enough water, especially in dry spells. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Also, feed with a balanced plant food in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
Q: Can I grow Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ in pots or containers?
A: While asparagus grows best in the ground, you can plant ‘Guelph Eclipse’ in large containers if necessary. Ensure the pots are at least 60cm deep and provide ample space for the roots to spread. Good drainage is essential for success.
Q: Is Asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ resistant to any diseases?
A: Yes! This hybrid variety is known for resistance to certain diseases, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. However, be mindful of common pests such as asparagus beetles and take action to protect your plants if needed.
Q: What are asparagus crowns, and why do I need them for growing ‘Guelph Eclipse’?
A: Asparagus crowns are the root systems of the asparagus plant, specifically for varieties like ‘Guelph Eclipse’. You need them because they are essential for starting your asparagus bed. You won’t get the vigorous hybrid growth you’re looking for without good quality crowns!
Q: Can I grow ‘Guelph Eclipse’ in any soil type?
A: While ‘Guelph Eclipse’ is fairly adaptable, it thrives in well-drained soil enriched with rotted manure or compost. Providing the right nutrients will help ensure strong, healthy growth.
Q: How long does ‘Guelph Eclipse’ take to start producing spears?
A: You’ll typically see your first ‘Guelph Eclipse’ spears around 2-3 years after planting the crowns. Patience is key with asparagus, but it’ll be worth the wait!
Q: What should I do if my ‘Guelph Eclipse’ asparagus plants seem unhealthy?
A: If your plants aren’t looking their best, check for issues like poor soil quality or lack of water. Sometimes, they may need an extra boost from a good-quality feed to get them back into top condition.
Q: How do I care for my ‘Guelph Eclipse’ asparagus during the growing season?
A: Regularly water your asparagus and keep the area weed-free. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Also, don’t forget to feed them balanced plant food to support their growth!
Q: Is ‘Guelph Eclipse’ suitable for all areas?
A: ‘Guelph Eclipse’ is a vigorous hybrid that can handle various climates, but availability may vary in different regions. Check with local garden centres to see if they stock this fantastic variety.
Q: What is the expected thickness of the asparagus spears from ‘Guelph Eclipse’?
A: The spears from ‘Guelph Eclipse’ are known for their medium-to-large thickness, making them a great choice for flavour and presentation on your dinner plate!
Q: How far apart should I plant ‘Guelph Eclipse’ crowns from each other?
A: Space your ‘Guelph Eclipse’ crowns about 60cm apart to allow enough room for them to grow strong and healthy. This spacing helps ensure they receive the sunlight and nutrients they need.
Q: Where can I purchase ‘Guelph Eclipse’ asparagus crowns?
A: You can find asparagus ‘Guelph Eclipse’ crowns at garden centres and online retailers. Be sure to buy from a reputable supplier to ensure you receive high-quality, healthy crowns ready for planting.