Asparagus stalks ferning already - can I cut them? - Vegetable Gardening Forum

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Asparagus stalks ferning already - can I cut them?

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Tue, Apr 1, 14 at 20:32

Hi All,

I neglected my asparagus bed for a few days, and some stalks got away from me before I cut them. They were good diameter, but have now ferned out. Do I need to leave them be or can I cut them back? I know to let fern once I'm done harvesting for the season, but if I'm still going to harvest some, can I cut back the ones that have gone to fern as well?

TIA,

Jennie

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RE: Asparagus stalks ferning already - can I cut them?

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Posted by digdirt 6b-7a North AR (My Page) on
Tue, Apr 1, 14 at 20:45

Once they have gone to fern I prefer to leave them to grow and only cut them in the late fall after they go dormant. The crown benefits from leaving them, not from cutting them.

Dave

RE: Asparagus stalks ferning already - can I cut them?

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Posted by prairiemoon2 zone 6a/MA (My Page) on
Wed, Apr 2, 14 at 9:57

I always leave mine too, but they flop all over everything when they get tall. I'm thinking of giving them support this year. Anyone try that?

RE: Asparagus stalks ferning already - can I cut them?

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Posted by nancyjane_gardener USDA 8ish No CA (My Page) on
Wed, Apr 2, 14 at 12:16

I get some twine and wrap it around a few times. It keeps them out of the paths. Nancy

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