Growing fresh asparagus at home can seem intimidating. After all, starting an asparagus bed from seed can take 3-4 years before you get to enjoy any harvest. That’s why learning how to regrow store-bought asparagus in water is so appealing – it’s fast, easy, and you can enjoy homegrown spears in just a few weeks!
In this article, we’ll walk through the incredibly simple process of water propagating asparagus. With just a glass jar, some water, and a bit of patience, you can regrow grocery store asparagus again and again. Soon, you’ll have more tender, succulent spears than you know what to do with.
Why Regrow Asparagus in Water?
Regrowing asparagus through water propagation offers several advantages over traditional growing methods
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Speed Rooting asparagus in water is exponentially faster than planting crowns or seeds Spears regenerate in just 1-2 weeks
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Simplicity: All it takes is a jar of water and some basic care. No special equipment required.
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Affordability Reusing store-bought spears means free plants year after year Much cheaper than purchasing crowns annually
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Flavor: Homegrown asparagus has superior tenderness and sweetness over grocery store varieties.
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Organic: You control exactly how your spears are grown for chemical-free, organic produce.
Water propagation lets anyone grow asparagus easily, for a fraction of the cost and effort of conventional methods.
How Water Rooting Works
Asparagus has a unique ability to regenerate itself when cut stems are suspended in water. Here’s how it happens:
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Moisture triggers stem cells at the cut base to start multiplying rapidly and morph into root initials.
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These initials elongate into healthy white roots within 1-2 weeks in ideal conditions.
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Auxin hormones produced in the new roots then stimulate buds further up the stalks to break dormancy.
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The buds grow into branches with ferns that photosynthesize energy for the developing plant.
In this way, a simple stalk entirely regenerates into a new, independent plantlet when propagated in water. It’s incredible to witness!
Step-By-Step Guide to Regrow Asparagus in Water
Regrowing asparagus through water propagation only takes 5 easy steps:
1. Obtain Fresh Asparagus Spears
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Start with high-quality, fresh spears free of blemishes, wrinkles, or damage. Avoid bendy or overly thin stalks.
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Seek out thick, firm spears with tight tips and long, straight bottoms below the ferns.
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Organic and sustainably grown varieties have the highest chance of being disease-free.
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Only use raw, untreated spears. Never try regrowing cooked or preserved asparagus.
2. Trim the Bottom Ends
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Using a clean, sharp knife or razor, cut off any dried out or damaged sections from the base of the spears.
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Next, trim the bottom 3-4 inches of the remaining stalks. This stimulates new growth.
3. Suspend the Spears Vertically in Jars
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Fill wide-mouthed jars 3/4 full with room temperature water. Quart jars work best.
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Arrange 2-3 upright spears in each jar, spreading out the cut ends.
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Only submerge the lower 2/3 of each spear, keeping tips above the waterline.
4. Change the Water Regularly
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Drain jars and replenish with fresh water every 2-3 days to prevent rotting.
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Add a few drops of lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to the water to inhibit bacterial growth.
5. Watch Roots and Shoots Develop
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Check jars daily for progress. Healthy white roots will emerge from the bases within 1-2 weeks.
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Small shoots will then sprout from buds further up the stems. Be patient!
Once your asparagus cuttings have a well established root system and several new shoots, they are ready for soil!
Potting Up Your Water Propagated Asparagus
After 4-6 weeks in water, your regenerated asparagus plants can be transplanted into soil or hydroponic systems. Follow these tips for successful propagation:
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Gently loosen new roots before removing spears from water to prevent damage.
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Plant in containers or garden beds enriched with compost for added nutrients.
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Bury lower portions of stems 2-3 inches deep, keeping shoots above the soil surface.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide bright, indirect light.
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Gradually acclimate plants to avoid transplant shock. Harden off before moving outdoors.
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Harvest conservatively in the first 2 years to allow vigorous crowns to develop.
With minimal aftercare, your water rooted cuttings will flourish and keep yielding delicious spears season after season!
Troubleshooting Common Propagation Problems
Having issues getting your asparagus to regenerate? Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Rotting stems: Change water more often. Use filtered water and add lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to inhibit bacteria.
No new roots: Ensure bases remain submerged. Restart with fresh spears if stems go mushy. Be patient, rooting can take up to 2 weeks.
Small roots but no shoots: Move jars into brighter light to stimulate bud growth. A sunny windowsill is ideal.
Wilting shoots: Plant cuttings in soil immediately once a decent root system develops. Shoots need soil nutrients.
Transplant shock: Gradually harden off before moving outdoors. Ensure adequate watering and light at all stages.
Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. With some trial and error, you’ll get the method down and be harvesting homegrown spears in no time.
Advanced Techniques for Faster Regrowth
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try incorporating these tips for optimal water propagation:
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Rooting hormone: Dusting cut ends in powdered hormone accelerates root production. Look for natural options like honey or willow water.
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Hydroponics: Suspending stems in nutrient solutions provides growing shoots with vital minerals and quick growth.
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Propagation stations: Devices like Oasis Rootcubes support stems, provide airflow, and simplify transplanting.
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Grow lights: Supplemental full spectrum lighting compensates for lower natural light indoors.
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Heated mats: Maintaining water temperature between 70-80°F accelerates regrowth.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods to take your asparagus propagation to the next level!
Enjoy Your Homegrown Asparagus Harvest
Nothing beats the flavor of fresh, homegrown asparagus! Here are some delicious ways to use your water cultivated spears:
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Lightly steam, roast or grill for a perfect crispy-tender side dish.
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Chop and add raw to salads, pasta, frittatas, pizza and more.
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Puree into flavorful soups, sauces and smoothies.
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Pickle into a tangy, probiotic-packed condiment.
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Ferment into a unique homemade soda beverage.
With just a bit of creativity, the possibilities for enjoying your regenerative asparagus are endless. Now get growing!
As you can see, regrowing asparagus through water propagation is an incredibly simple and gratifying process. In just a few weeks, you can have a steady supply of succulent, nutritious spears using nothing but reused grocery store scraps.
This technique makes growing asparagus accessible for anyone, whether you have an expansive garden or just a tiny apartment windowsill. Don’t wait – grab some fresh spears and start regrowing your own asparagus today! You’ll be amazed at just how easy and productive it can be.
Varieties recommended for Minnesota:
- Millennium: A newer variety from the University of Guelph. It is very vigorous and high-yielding.
- The “Jersey” series: These varieties were recently discontinued but still grow in many Minnesota gardens. Varieties include Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, and Jersey Supreme. The Jersey varieties are popular and very high-yielding.
- They can be damaged at -30° F if there is not enough snow cover.
- Mary Washington: Open-pollinated variety. Yields are lower than the Jersey varieties, but they are very cold-hardy. Because it is open-pollinated, it may produce seeds that sprout new plants. Some gardeners consider that a benefit, while others consider it a nuisance.
- Viking KB-3: An open-pollinated variety.
- Purple Passion: A purple, open-pollinated variety.
Add the fertilizer alongside the row of plants and scratch it in lightly. Do not allow the tool to penetrate the soil more than an inch deep, to avoid harming the underground portions of the plants.
If your soil test shows that the garden is high in phosphorus, use a low-phosphorus fertilizer such as 32-3-10, 27-3-3, or 25-3-12, or use a non-phosphorus fertilizer such as 30-0-10 or 24-0-15 at the rate of a half pound per 100 square feet. Avoid adding unnecessary amounts of phosphorus to the soil beyond what the soil tests recommend. Continuous use of high phosphorus fertilizers such as 10-10-10 or 15-30-15, or high rates of manure or compost can result in phosphorus buildup in the soil that impacts soil and plant health over time.
Do not use any fertilizer containing an herbicide (such as a “Weed and Feed” product), as it may kill your vegetable plants.
Soil pH and fertility for asparagus
Asparagus grows best in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0; it does not tolerate extremely acidic soils. It can grow in heavy, medium, or sandy soils, as long as the soils must be well-drained and do not exhibit pooling water after rains.
Before planting asparagus, have your soil tested to see if the soil has the right amount of nutrients for asparagus to thrive. Add recommended fertilizer based on the soil test results. It is best to add part of the fertilizer in the fall or spring before planting, but about half of the phosphorus and potassium should be added at the time of planting. Nitrogen should be added after planting, once the crowns begin growing.
If you dont have a soil test report, the typical garden fertilizer rate for asparagus is 1 to 1.5 pounds of 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium fertilizer (10-10-10) per 100 square feet before planting.
Once an asparagus patch is established, it is best to test the soil every three years and follow the test recommendations before adding nutrients. After the asparagus patch is established, fertilizer, compost or composted manure can be added either in early spring before spear emergence, or after harvest in late June or early July. Only add these inputs if they are needed according to the soil test.
- There are female plants and male plants. This means the plants are dioecious.
- All produce edible spears.
- Only plants with all female flowers produce red, inedible berries in summer.
- Female plants grow larger spears.
- Male plants grow a greater number of smaller, uniform spears.
- Most hybrids, such as Jersey Giant, are plants with only male flowers that produce no seeds.
- Plants with all male flowers do not use energy to develop seeds and fruits.
- Male asparagus plants tend to live longer and produce more spears.
- Female plants can produce undesirable weedy seedling asparagus plants.
Growing Asparagus from Store-Bought Asparagus
FAQ
Can I grow asparagus from cuttings in water?
If you intend to use the water approach, you will need to begin your cuttings inside so that you can shield them from any wind that may blow their way. You can also begin your cuttings indoors before spring, giving you the ability to easily transfer them after they have matured.
Can I grow asparagus from store-bought asparagus?
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Asparagus spears are not designed for regrowth:Store-bought asparagus spears are harvested and often have the root portion removed, making it difficult for them to regrow.
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Growing asparagus takes time:Asparagus is a perennial plant that takes several years to establish and produce a good harvest, so it’s best to start with crowns or seeds.
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Planting from crowns is the easiest method:Crowns are one-year-old roots that are ready to be planted and will produce spears sooner than seeds.
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Planting from seeds takes longer:While you can grow asparagus from seed, it takes longer for the plants to mature and produce spears.
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Asparagus varieties:The variety of asparagus you buy in the store may not be suitable for your local climate or growing conditions.
Should you grow your own asparagus?
Perhaps it’s to do with its timing (the asparagus that is) – being exclusively the first harvest of spring – but if you thought that in-season asparagus was a flavour to behold, you need to try growing your own at home. It’s next level. For as long as we can remember, we’ve advised against growing it unless endowed with space and time.
How can one keep asparagus fresh?
The asparagus will keep fresh for about a week. They should be kept in the fridge. If they dry out, hydrate them a bit.
Can you replant asparagus?
It’s best not to grow other plants or crops among asparagus, and don’t replant an old asparagus bed with new asparagus plants – choose fresh ground, to avoid any build-up of soil-borne problems. A planting site in full sun is preferable, but asparagus will also tolerate dappled shade. Most soil types are suitable, as long as they’re well drained.
How do you overwinter asparagus?
For places that experience frost, you need to overwinter your asparagus. Wait until the plant is turning brown in fall (approaching winter) and cut off the upper parts of the plant. Cover the stump in the ground with compost and other organic matter.
Is it good to eat fresh asparagus?
Yes, asparagus is a low-calorie food, in 100g, it has only 20kcal, being an excellent ally of weight loss diets, in addition it is a source of vitamins A, C, B complex and minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium. It is rich in inulin, a nutrient present in asparagus with the power to improve intestinal transit, has a diuretic effect and has antioxidant action. Asparagus becomes stringy, wilted and quickly loses its characteristic flavor, therefore, it is preferable to consume the fresh ones.
What are the benefits of drinking boiled asparagus water?
Hydration is the main benefit because the phenolic compounds and other substances that are present in asparagus are important molecules to fight free radicals and bring many health benefits suffer the severe effect of boiling, reducing their concentration drastically. Therefore, it is important not to boil for a long time so as not to lose nutritional properties.