How to revive asparagus plants?

[Lisbeth1]

 

Thanks in advance for your recommendations for my asparagus. These plants are in their 3rd year and grown from seed. At the end of last season the ferns would yellow and fall over. I had sprayed with Yates anti rot at the end of last season but they are still coming up distorted and discolored. I’d prefer to use natural or organic solutions if possible.

Are my plants doomed?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Lisbeth1,

Your asparagus aren’t necessarily doomed, but they are likely stressed. Distorted shoots and early yellowing often come from fungal problems like Fusarium or rust, nutrient deficiencies, or sap-sucking insects such as aphids. 

The best organic approach is to build soil fertility with compost or manure, and to feed regularly with seaweed tonic. Remove and bin any diseased fronds and watch for insects like aphids. Good drainage is also essential, as asparagus crowns hate sitting in wet soil.

The fact that your asparagus is still sending up shoots is a good sign. With improved soil care, balanced feeding, and vigilance for pests, they may well stabilise and continue producing for years. If, despite these efforts, they continue to weaken each year, then it’s more likely a chronic issue like Fusarium is at play, and in that case, starting fresh in a new bed with improved soil would be the long-term fix.

Allow me to tag @Noelle for her thoughts and advice.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @Lisbeth1 

I agree with Jacob's assessment and recommended course of action. Asparagus do best in light soils that drain very well - if your soil remains moist for extended periods then fungal issues are most likely responsible for the lack of vigour and obvious disease symptoms.

If the suggested actions don't improve the health of the plants, then starting again in a new area of the garden that has been specially prepared prior to planting out new asparagus would be the best option.

[Lisbeth1]

Thank you Jacob,

I hope they come good, they are in a raised bed so hopefully some TLC will rectify the issue.  Takes so long to wait for a nice harvest, I hope I don’t have to start over 🤞.