Asparagus is a perennial plant. It is grown in sandy and well-drained soil. The seed once in the ground develops, for a year, roots called claws. When the claw is formed, it is dug up and transplanted deeper into the soil, about 30 cm. It takes two years before it produces an asparagus of a size appropriate for consumption. The first two years, the plant grows and matures. After two years, you can finally harvest the asparagus but only for ten days. The plant reaches maturity after five years. It can then be harvested for about 35 days without ever exceeding 60 days. After the harvest, the plant then develops a beautiful fern-like foliage that is often found in landscaping.
Quebec food
As of May 10, fresh, tender and delicately tasty asparagus is finally showing up in the Quebec fields. First vegetable to appear on our stalls, asparagus makes a remarkable entrance. We can recognize Quebec asparagus thanks to the Aliments du Québec logo. Whether it is printed on the label identifying the producer or on a yellow rubber band, the Aliments du Québec logo is a guarantee of quality, freshness and flavor. By eating Quebec asparagus, we support the local economy, thus promoting sustainable development. We take full advantage because the season is short. From Mother’s Day to Saint-Jean-Baptiste, we are looking for specially identified Quebec asparagus boots, for a guaranteed taste!
Cultivation and harvest of asparagus
Cultivation and harvest of asparagus
Asparagus is a perennial plant. It is grown in sandy and well-drained soil. The seed once in the ground develops, for a year, roots called claws. When the claw is formed, it is dug up and transplanted deeper into the soil, about 30 cm. It takes two years before it produces an asparagus of a size appropriate for consumption. The first two years, the plant grows and matures. After two years, you can finally harvest the asparagus but only for ten days. The plant reaches maturity after five years. It can then be harvested for about 35 days without ever exceeding 60 days. After the harvest, the plant then develops a beautiful fern-like foliage that is often found in landscaping.
Did you know that…
The stem that we find in our plate is called turion. An asparagus can grow up to 25 cm per day when the outside temperature is hot and humid. On this occasion, you have to harvest twice in the same day. The harvest of asparagus is done manually, one at a time. An asparagus plant can produce for about twenty years. Temperature, humidity and mineral salts are three important elements for the growth of the plant.