Asparagus & Artichoke Crowns
Grow Delicious, Perennial Crops Year After Year from Johnstown Garden Centre
Flavourful, Nutritious Harvests
Asparagus and artichokes are two of the most rewarding perennial vegetables to grow, offering flavourful, nutritious harvests year after year. Once established, they require minimal maintenance while providing a continuous supply of fresh produce straight from your garden. At Johnstown Garden Centre, we stock high-quality asparagus and artichoke crowns, ensuring strong, healthy plants that will thrive in Irish growing conditions.
Unlike traditional vegetable crops that require yearly planting, asparagus and artichokes return season after season, making them a valuable and sustainable addition to any garden. Asparagus produces tender, flavourful spears in early spring, while artichokes develop large, edible flower buds that are a delicious gourmet ingredient. Both crops are high in nutrients and add unique flavours to homegrown meals.
How to Plant Asparagus & Artichoke Crowns
For best results, plant asparagus crowns in early spring in a deeply dug, well-drained bed with plenty of organic matter. Space the crowns 30-40cm apart in rows 45cm apart, covering them lightly with soil and gradually adding more as they grow. Asparagus requires patience, as the first full harvest typically arrives in the third year, but once established, plants can produce for 15-20 years.
Artichoke crowns should be planted in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile soil. Space them 90cm apart to allow the plants to spread and establish strong roots. Regular feeding with a high-potassium fertiliser encourages strong growth and multiple flower heads.
Caring for, Harvesting & Enjoying Your Crop
Both asparagus and artichokes thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular care will ensure healthy growth and long-lasting harvests. Asparagus requires cutting back in autumn, removing yellowed fronds to allow fresh spears to emerge in spring. Artichokes should be watered consistently during dry periods and pruned back in winter to encourage vigorous regrowth for the next season.
Patience is key when growing asparagus. While spears can be lightly harvested in the second year, it’s best to wait until the third year for a full harvest. When ready, snap the spears just above ground level, and enjoy weeks of tender, homegrown produce.
Artichokes are best harvested when the flower buds are still tight, before they begin to open. The buds can be steamed, roasted, or grilled for a delicious, nutrient-rich meal. If left unharvested, artichokes develop into stunning purple flowers, making them an eye-catching ornamental plant in your garden.
