Asparagus Connover’s Colossal

A perennial vegetable grown for its delicious shoots or spears, asparagus is a revelation when home-grown. Asparagus Connover’s Colossal is an old, open-pollinated variety which is particularly reliable in the Irish climate, and has a very good flavour. Planted as 2 year-old crowns, they can start to be harvested after 2 years – and it’s worth the wait! When fully mature, asparagus plants will produce about 10 spears a year over 8 weeks, and will last for 15-20 years. Asparagus Connover’s Colossal does best on light soils; if growing on heavy soils, plant in a raised bed. Protect the emerging spears from slugs.

Site: Sheltered; avoid frost pockets
Soil: Very well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Pick: Late April–early June
Keep: Eat as soon as possible after picking
Hardiness: Hardy
Pollination: Self-fertile
Uses: Cooking
Height: 3 to 4’ (1m to 1.2m) Spread: 18” (45cm)