Homemade asparagus - reproduction at home from seeds, tubers, cuttings

Types and varieties of asparagus

• Asparagus Meyer is a bushy plant with stems covered with fluff. Reaches half a meter in height. Densely covered with green thin foliage, like needles.
• Asparagus sickle (falcatus). The liana-like variety grows flexible stems up to 15 m long and up to 1 cm thick.In indoor conditions, the length of the vines does not exceed 4 m.On the shoots, at a great distance from each other, there are large crescent-shaped cladodia about 8 cm long.The plant tolerates pruning better than others and forms lateral processes. It blooms in loose fragrant panicles with small creamy flowers.
• Asparagus officinalis (common). The inhabitant of the temperate climate comes from North Africa. Its herbaceous shoots grow up to 30-150 cm. The smooth surface of the appendix is ​​covered with bundles of filamentous cladodia. Scaly leaves with spurs grow at their base.
• Asparagus pyramidal. Shoots on a shrub 50-150 cm high grow vertically. They are densely covered with short dark green phylloclades, which are located in the same plane. Although the leaves are as soft to the touch, they can be mistaken for a juniper from a distance.

How to protect an Ethiopian guest?

The main prevention of diseases and problems arising with the plant is the observance of the rules of care and temperature conditions. It is also worth keeping a balance while watering and applying mineral fertilizers. Examine the plant regularly for pests, parasites and fungal diseasesthat need to be immediately treated and prevented at the stage of appearance.

Regular watering, sufficient lighting, competent feeding and timely transplantation, coupled with periodic inspection of the plant for the presence of pests, will provide your pet with everything it needs and Meyer's asparagus will always delight the eye with a healthy and beautiful look.

Botanical description

I would like to start the description of this plant with the root system, since it is represented by an intertwined ball of many oblong, at the same time juicy tubers, which are connected by thin roots. Thanks to this, the plant is able to stock up on nutrients and moisture, so that it will be enough to wait out the dry period.
The flowers are very similar to lily inflorescences, it is because of this factor that the flower has been attributed to lily flowers for a long time. Photosynthesis often does not take place in the leaves themselves. The leaves are like needles, but they are soft. The shape of such leaves is called cladodia.

An interesting feature of the plant is that new shoots grow from the rhizome, while the old ones die off. It is also unusual that one branch can have both female and male flowers at the same time, thanks to which pollination occurs much faster.

Important! Never forget that having cut off the asparagus shoot of growth, you can no longer wait, as well as the possibility of reproduction, the tops are excluded.

Caution! The fruits of any kind of asparagus are poisonous! They are attractive, small red berries that you just want to try, but this should never be done. Therefore, if you have small children or animals at home, you should remove the pot from their access.

Asparagus (Asparagus) was brought to European countries from the subtropics more than 200 years ago. His homeland is Africa and Asia. In the wild, it prefers to grow in dry climatic zones, the tubers of the rhizomes accumulate moisture and save the plant from drought. Although you can find a perennial on any continent.

But this is far from the case: asparagus belongs to the asparagus family and has nothing to do with the fern. The genus has about 300 species, some of them are edible, for example, asparagus, which is specially grown on plantations (young shoots are eaten). There are also medicinal varieties. Shrubs, lianas and perennial grasses make up the genus of asparagus.

The perennial root system consists of a powerful root, from which many tubers depart. The stem is flexible, branched, has many branches instead of leaves - cladodia (leaf shoots). Outwardly, they are similar to prickly needles, and to the touch they are gentle and soft. Asparagus leaves look like tiny brown scales, barely distinguishable.

The first flowering can be observed in spring, no earlier than 6 years after planting. Modest small white flowers have a subtle aroma. They can bloom both singly and in whole inflorescences. Depending on the variety, they are painted pink, beige or greenish.

After flowering, the fruits ripen - medium-sized red berries, which give the plant a special tenderness. Each fruit contains at least one black-skinned seed, some berries contain several.

Non-capricious asparagus feels good not only indoors, but also outdoors (some varieties). After a frosty winter, new shoots are reborn from the strong rhizome in place of dead stems.

Description and photo

The plant is a small shrub that branches out as soon as it leaves the root system. It grows 3-4 meters in width and half a meter in height.

The central stems are straight, but sag under weight. Numerous shoots covered with small and thin cladodia "needles", which look like the leaves of a plant, extend from them. Real leaves look like scales, which are virtually invisible.

Reproduction of homemade asparagus by cuttings

You can get cuttings suitable for propagation from an asparagus plant from late February to June. The timing is determined by the fact that from the springtime the vigorous vegetation of the flower begins, and it takes at least one and a half months to root the shoot. It is comfortable to cut off the shoots during the spring transplant, while it is better to look not at young phylloclades, but at last year's. For rooting, cuttings at least 10 - 15 cm long are suitable, without signs of disease or wilting.

Cut shoots are dropped into a mixture of wet sand, perlite sand and peat. The volume of a pot for asparagus should not be large, at first, containers of no more than 100 ml are perfect. So that moisture evaporates less from the surface of the substrate, containers with cuttings intended for propagation are covered with bags or plastic cups.

Ideally, for rooting, the cuttings are installed on a lighted windowsill, where there are no direct rays of the sun and drafts. The temperature at this time should be in the range of 20-22 ° C. The soil is constantly moistened with a spray bottle, and the plantings are aired every day, trying to avoid condensation.

Asparagus roots appear within four weeks, which is perfectly noticeable if the cuttings are planted in translucent glasses. After which the viable plant is transferred to a permanent place of residence.

Propagating asparagus by cuttings at home is difficult and troublesome. If you still want to succeed, use the same algorithm of actions as when planting rose cuttings:

1. Cuttings should be cooked in early spring.
2. Planting material is placed in small containers filled with river sand (wet).
3. The containers are covered with foil or glass and left in a warm, dark place.

A month or two and your cuttings will take root, but do not forget to regularly ventilate and spray them. If roots appear, they are transplanted into flower pots with universal soil for flowers.

Asparagus - breeding at home, choosing the best way

Florists have not yet come to a consensus on the most reliable reproduction of asparagus.

Someone is sure that most surely propagate asparagus by seed, and stubbornly adheres to this option, germinating seeds and rejoicing in the appearance of the first sprouts.

Others get young bushes when dividing a plant and they call this method the simplest. Still others breed asparagus cuttings, despite the complexity of this process.

From the point of view of specialists, each of these options has its own merits. It depends a lot on the type of culture. The feathery species and the most common houseplants, Sprenger's and Meyer's asparagus grow beautifully from seed.

Seedlings appear quite quickly, the plant has good roots, in an adult state it is distinguished by its endurance during transplantation, transportation, and also resistance to diseases.

Professionals advise old plants that can easily recover and continue to develop after this procedure to propagate by dividing the bush.

Reproduction by cuttings does not suit all gardeners, since with this method, which is similar to rooting of cuttings of roses, not all plantings take root.

Asparagus transplant

Asparagus grown at home, getting into the nutrient soil, begins to actively study the volume of the pot.

This behavior is inherent in all different types of domestic asparagus, it will be a young seedling, not so long ago obtained from a seed, or an adult long-term specimen. Due to this, when choosing a pot for asparagus, you should not stop looking at a large container, hoping that it will be enough for the plant for several years.

The frequency of transplants depends on the condition of the pet and the amount of soil remaining in the pot, which the growing asparagus roots mercilessly push out of the pot volume allocated to them.

However, there are situations when it is hardly possible to do without an asparagus transplant. This procedure is necessary if the plant has just been purchased and is in a transport container with a minimum amount of peat filler.

In this case, it is necessary not only to transfer the plant to nutritious loose soil, but also to wash the crown in advance with warm water. Such a shower will help wash off the wax-like substance from the phylloclades, which is used to treat asparagus before being sent to the retail network. The tool protects the crown from moisture evaporation and loss of decorative effect, but if it is not removed, it leads to rapid shedding of homemade asparagus.

If a plant is transplanted with roots sticking out of the drainage holes, it is possible without great effort to damage the root system, which will lengthen the acclimatization period and complicate rooting. A lot of watering will help to remove the asparagus from the pot. To do this, the clod of earth is thoroughly moistened, making sure that the water soaks it completely. This can be done in a couple of steps, regularly pouring out the water that has got into the sump.

Wet roots are more elastic than dry roots, making them not only easier to get out of the pot, but also easier to untangle. This is very important if the asparagus transplant is combined with dividing the plant into several independent seedlings:

• Before transplanting, all old stems that are starting to turn yellow or dry are removed from asparagus.
• A minimum amount of soil is poured onto the drainage layer, on which an asparagus plant is placed, the roots of which can be sprinkled with warm water.
• The gaps remaining on both sides are poured with a substrate, from which the front layer is then made.
• After that, the asparagus is watered and, if necessary, mulched with a minimum amount of the substrate.

You can grow new plants by sowing the seeds of berries obtained in the fall, or by separating the roots and twigs in the spring, when new growth begins. Both methods produce healthy new plants with minimal effort.

Asparagus fern berries contain one to three seeds that can be used for propagation. If you have berries, then it is advisable to sow immediately after harvesting them. This period is likely to fall on the second half of winter. But if you don't have seeds, you can also purchase them in the store.

Important! Don't be nervous if you don't see any shoots. They will need about 49 days to germinate. And it also depends on how well you filed them.

Seed planting technology:

1. Uncover the berries by removing the pulp and extract the black seeds from them. Rinse the seeds in water.
2. Dry and scrub with a metal file to break the dense outer coating and encourage germination. This process is called scarification.
3. Soak them in a bowl of hot (75 ° C) water for 24 hours.
4. Fill a small pot with potting soil. It is prepared from sand, humus and peat mixed in equal parts.
5. Moisten the soil.
6. Sow the seeds at a depth of about twice the width in the prepared soil.
7. Cover the pot with plastic to prevent moisture loss.
8. Install in a place where the air temperature is 23 ... 29 ° С.
9. Water as soon as the soil dries up.
10. When sprouts appear, remove the film.

In the future, young plants are provided with indirect but bright light throughout the day. They will also need an air temperature of about 21 ° C, but not lower than 15 ° C.

Like ferns, asparagus can grow in one place for several years. A transplant is needed if the root system is cramped in the pot, or the nutritional properties of the soil are exhausted.

Did you know? Asparagus has been used as a houseplant since the 19th century. Although it was known to botanists before, it was not widespread as a domestic one.

Step-by-step instructions for transplanting:

1. Choose a pot with large drainage holes at the bottom. It should be a few centimeters wider in diameter than the current plant is in.
2. Gently remove the asparagus from the old pot. Try not to damage the root system.
3. Fill a new pot with a prepared mixture of fertile soil, sand and peat.
4. Place some of the soil in the pot and then place the root ball in there.
5. Pour the mixture on the sides and compact it.
6. Pour over the asparagus so that excess water drains into the pan.

Maintain moisture and place the plant pot in the same place where it was before transplanting, providing it with the usual conditions. There should be enough indirect sunlight.

Asparagus, grown at home, when it enters the soil saturated with nutrients, begins to actively fill the entire volume of the pot.

Note! Until the root system completely fills the container, the flower will not grow with greens.

Such a sequence is characteristic of all varieties of homemade asparagus, regardless of whether it is a young seedling that has recently emerged from seeds or an adult specimen that has been growing for more than one year. Given this feature, you should not choose a large container for a plant, as it will not be enough for a long period.

The number of transplants depends directly on the condition of the plant and the soil that remains in the pot. Since the roots are actively pushing it out of the place allotted for it.

Even with high endurance, not all types of asparagus calmly and painlessly transfer the transplant to a new container, therefore, after transplanting, observe the plant, if you notice that the plant is cramped in a new pot, and it suffers from this, it is better not to transplant it. Instead, supplement with fresh earth, if it is possible to do this, of course, along with this, it is imperative to feed the flower.

In a situation where you cannot do without a transplant, you need to transplant the plant not only into loose and nutritious soil, but first rinse the crown well with warm water and a special agent. This treatment will wash away the substance from the phyllocladia, which creates a wax-like feeling on the surface. The tool will protect the crown from loss of decorative effect and from water evaporation in the soil. However, if the substance is not removed, it will quickly lead to baldness of the home flower.

Planting and transplanting

Let's consider the main features of plant transplantation.

Pot

Asparagus grows quickly, so choose a larger pot, otherwise mature plants will need to be replanted more often, although this is undesirable. It is best to use ceramic pots, but not glazed ones. This material is best suited for the gas exchange required to control moisture.

Important! The pot should have drainage holes.

Young plants should be transplanted into not very large containers, since, first of all, the roots will begin to grow throughout the space, and green shoots will grow poorly.

The soil

Asparagus is undemanding to the composition of the soil. It is best to use a slightly acidic universal soil or fern substrate.

Advice! A little coarse sand in the soil will improve the moisture permeability of the mixture.

At home, you can prepare a substrate that is ideal for asparagus:

• 1 part of humus;
• 1 piece of leafy land;
• 1 part of sod land;
• 0.5 parts of coarse sand.

There should be drainage at the bottom of the pot by 1/3 so that the water in the root system does not stagnate.

Advice! Drainage can be purchased at a flower shop or made from broken bricks, small pebbles, or pieces of styrofoam.

An adult asparagus does not really like transplantation, so it is carried out by the transshipment method as needed, once every 2-3 years.

Transplant - step by step instructions

Important! It is better to transplant in the spring - in April or May, during the period of active growth.

1. Drainage and soil are poured into a new pot.
2. The flower is watered abundantly and wait 30 minutes.
3. Asparagus is removed from an old pot with a clod of earth.

   

4. Lightly shake off the soil from the roots. You can rinse the roots in a container with warm water.
5. Strongly long and overgrown roots are cut off, sprinkle the cut with coal. Yellowed and bare stems are removed.
6. A plant is installed in the center of the new pot, the roots are spread and the soil is poured.

   

7. Planting depth should be the same as before. The earth does not need to be poured to the edges of the pot, since the roots will raise it as it grows.

Advice! If the plant was purchased in the fall, after a week of adaptation, it can be transplanted into a new container with the necessary substrate.

Asparagus needs time to recover after transplantation. At this time, shoots may turn yellow and even dry out. You can help the plant cope with stress by leaving it in a slightly shaded place without drafts and monitoring the moisture of the earth. Top dressing during this period is not applied.

Reproduction of asparagus by dividing the bush

This method, like propagation with tubers or asparagus roots, has many advantages. First of all, after crushing the common root system, you can quickly get several independent plants with their own roots at the same time.

The acclimatization of such asparagus lasts much shorter than the time required for the rooting of asparagus propagated by cuttings, or waiting for the seedlings to grow up.

The soaked clod of earth is removed from the pot, then the remains of the soil are removed and, if necessary, additionally wetting the roots of asparagus, the bush is divided into some seedlings. Be careful when carrying out this procedure, as most varieties of asparagus are prickly and can damage the skin on the palms.

When this work is done, the plants are planted in pots prepared in advance for asparagus with an equipped drainage layer and a nutritious soil mixture. After transplanting, the asparagus is watered and placed in a shaded place where drafts and direct sunlight will not damage the pet.

Acclimatization takes about a month, during which the plant is watered with restraint, but not fed, so as not to burn the damaged roots.

It seems that the division procedure should be quite painful for the bush. In fact, it only benefits him. Any gardener can divide the rhizome of the bush himself into several parts. Although this will require caution.

It is best to use the transshipment method, then the asparagus root will hardly be injured. And dividing it into parts is convenient in this case.

The root of each new bush must be shaken off, damaged stems removed and planted in a separate container. The soil mixture should be moderately moist. An abundance of water can kill a plant.

Young plantings should be placed in a shady corner, it is desirable that the temperature is not higher than 15 degrees. Bushes need regular watering, and after a couple of weeks they need to be fed.

After a month of careful care, pots with asparagus new settlers can be moved to a permanent place. Now they can easily tolerate both diffused light and the conditions of a north-facing window.

Landing

1. Pot selection. Asparagus produces many shoots, and the root system grows in breadth. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to wide and deep pots.
2. What should be the soil. The plant needs loose soil with an alkaline reaction. An excellent option would be the following proportion of 2: 1: 1: 1, consisting of sod land, humus, leaf and river sand, preferably coarse-grained.
3. How to plant? There are several ways to plant a plant: buy a ready-made stalk or plant a flower from seeds.

Asparagus care

Follow-up care for asparagus, like other plants, consists of:

• ensuring the correct microclimate: air temperature, lighting, humidity;
• glaze;
• dressing.

Reproduction of asparagus, as well as caring for it, are not difficult tasks, so if you decide to grow this wonderful houseplant, knowing the rules for caring for it, you will not have any difficulties.

The question of leaving entails special nuances, the implementation of which will not make you work hard, but you should not neglect these conditions either. The plant requires bright lighting, however, direct sunlight is not allowed during the day, with the exception of early morning or evening.

In May, when the warming comes, it is necessary to temper the flower so that in the summer it can be taken out on the terrace or balcony. When placing a flower pot, choose a location where it will not be exposed to drafts.

Asparagus is thermophilic, but too high a temperature will badly affect it. Temperatures over 26 ° C are considered high, up to this mark is permissible. In winter, the temperature indicators must be lowered to at least 15 ° C, it can be a little lower, if this is not done, then the plant will begin to dry out, and this will lead to foliage falling.

When there is a period of growing green mass, watering the plant should be abundant and frequent, namely, when the topsoil dries up, the next watering is performed.

In autumn and winter, the amount of watering is reduced. Thus, during this period, after the soil dries up, the next watering is done in a few days. Remember not to allow the soil to dry out completely.

The flower loves spraying, especially in hot weather. This procedure is best done in the morning or after sunset.

When growing asparagus at home, there is practically no flowering. If you still manage to observe this process, then you will see small white inflorescences that are allowed to pollinate. But do not forget that fruits of any kind are poisonous, so it is better not to risk and pollinate the plant.

These moments are included in the basic care for flower reproduction. With the onset of spring, pruning should be done. You can remove dried and already bald stems. As mentioned at the beginning, after this procedure, the shoots stop growing, but this will allow the young branches to be stronger.

The plant needs regular fertilization. Every week, from spring to late summer, in autumn every 15 days, in winter - monthly. Mineral complex fertilizers are suitable for this.

Diseases and pests

With improper care of asparagus, the following problems can arise:

1. After pruning, the shoots stopped growing... Cut stems no longer grow - this is a feature of this plant. However, after a while, many young shoots will appear.
2. Spots on foliage... The plant does not like direct sunlight. They can lead to spots - these are sunburn. Also, due to the sun, the edges of the leaf plates can turn yellow and foliage can fly around.
3. Falling leaves... This is due to too intense lighting or very dry indoor air. And also due to the fact that the plant is in a too dark place.

Next, we describe the insects from which the plant can suffer:

1. Shield - is located on leaves and shoots. The flower begins to turn yellow and may die. Infected areas should be treated with soap or alcohol solution, as well as Karbofos or Aktellik. Re-processing is carried out after 10 days.
2. Greenhouse thrips - the pest sucks out the sap of the plant, because of which it withers and dries out. It is necessary to increase the humidity of the air and treat the plant with a solution of Feverfew, Karbofos or tobacco broth. Re-processing is carried out after 10 days.
3. Gray rot - affects fruits - berries as a result of waterlogging and changes in air temperature. A gray coating appears on them. The flower must be treated with Bordeaux liquid, Bayleton or copper chloride.
4. Aphids and spider mites - white spots appear, over time the plant withers. For processing, use a soap solution, acaricidal agents and spray the plant more often.
5. Wax bugs - black spots appear on the leaves. Pests are removed with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution.

Take a look video! Asparagus care

Reproduction of homemade asparagus by seeds

For sowing, not only seeds bought in a store are suitable, but also obtained on their own, as a result of artificial pollination of white small flowers of asparagus.

In the first option, it is very, very important to pay your own attention to the shelf life of seeds that are rapidly losing germination. But fresh seed directly from the bush rarely fails and sprouts quickly, but does not store the parental parameters if the propagation of asparagus of hybrid origin takes place.

Black very large seeds are planted in the soil in February or March, soaked in warm water for 24–48 hours. And then the swollen asparagus seeds are spread on the surface of a mixture of moistened peat and sand and sprinkled with a minimum amount of the same substrate.

To keep the crops at constant moisture, the containers are covered with foil or glass and placed in a dark place:

• The comfortable temperature for pecking asparagus seeds is 18–23 ° C.
• To eliminate the appearance of fungus and soil acidification, seed-propagated asparagus is ventilated every day.
• Watering is carried out by spraying, which will not erode the soil and damage the root system of the shoots.

Seed-propagated asparagus shoots appear in 20-40 days. And as soon as green needles become visible above the ground, the plant asks for transfer to the light. And if necessary, he is provided with additional lighting so that the sprouts are not too elongated and weak.

After four weeks, when small plants obtained from asparagus seeds have reached a height of 10 cm, they can be dived into small pots, and in addition, after 120 days - into pots for adult plants.

Seeds can be sown regardless of the season, but there are not very many who want to grow flowers in this way. To avoid unnecessary costs for additional lighting at home for germinated seedlings, they are planted in late winter - early spring.

When the plant fades, reddish berries appear on it. The berries can be picked by yourself or purchased at a flower shop. Seed material gives good results not only in the first year, but also after several years, but only if stored in a dry place. In order for the seeds to "wake up" faster, they need to be soaked for twenty hours in warm water, there is no need to introduce any growth stimulants.

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Leafy or greenhouse soil, humus and sand taken in equal amounts, or universal soil from a flower shop will be the best medium for seed germination. Seeds are not sown deeply, slightly moisten the soil, and cover the container with glass or foil. It is better to take tinted glass, or to remove the mini-greenhouse away from sunlight.Remember to regularly spray and ventilate your seedlings to keep mold from developing.

How to grow asparagus from seeds

It will not be a problem to stock up on seeds: you can buy them in the store, or you can pick them yourself when the plant has faded and reddish berries appeared as in the photo.
Helpful advice: Keep the seeds dry to keep them germinating for several years.

Seed propagation is an all-season event. But most flower growers prefer to sow them in early spring. This saves on additional lighting.

How to sow seeds

You will need a small box or container into which the soil is poured, already mixed with fertilizers. It can be bought ready-made, but in any case, the earth should be warmed up, and the seeds should be treated with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. This will further protect plants from pests and diseases.

Seeds are distributed at a distance of 3 cm from each other, lightly sprinkled with moist soil.

The box is placed in a plastic bag or covered with tinted glass and placed on a windowsill.

The success of this operation will depend on the maintenance of the plantings. It is necessary that

• the temperature was comfortable (from +21 to +23 degrees);
• the soil was regularly sprayed with settled water;
• the mini-greenhouse was regularly ventilated.

If all this is observed, the first shoots can be seen in about a month. When they reach 10 cm, they should be carefully cut into small pots. 4 months later - transplant into larger pots filled with drainage and nutrient soil.

The root system of young plants is constantly growing, so you will have to transplant it into a larger pot once or twice a year.

Here are some more practical tips for growing asparagus from seed:

Watering the asparagus

For indoor asparagus, drip pan is preferable. When the plant goes through the growing season, it needs abundant watering. During the dormant period, watering should be stopped a little, while preventing the soil from drying out. Water for watering a flower must be soft, so it must be defended or softened with vinegar and citric acid.

The frequency of watering should be at least three times a week. Watering in the winter season is carried out in such a way that the land is constantly wet.

Water and moisture

During the summer, be especially careful about how Meyer's asparagus feels. Watering should be systematic and abundant, while moisture should not stagnate: the earth should dry out, but not turn into stone. In winter, the plant is kept in cool conditions, the number of watering is reduced, but the level of dryness of the soil in the pot is monitored.

Asparagus loves a cool "shower", especially in winter, when the heating is on, when there is a lack of moisture in the air. Periodic carrying out of such a procedure will not damage the flower in any way.

Watering and maintaining the humidity level in the room is important when growing a plant at home. By being inattentive to the flower, you will see how it begins to dry and turn yellow.

Best soil components

The indoor flower is unpretentious to soil components, which allows it to grow in nutritious, loose and organic soil.

The substrate for any type of asparagus can be made as follows:

• 1 part of humus;
• 1 part sand (it can be replaced with verticulite or perlite);
• 2 pieces of garden land.

When self-connecting these components, it is important to disinfect and sterilize all those that are of natural origin, this is done so that pests or pathogens of various diseases do not get into the pot.

In the absence of the necessary components, they can be replaced by a universal soil intended for indoor plants, it contains a small content of perlite. Do not forget about drainage, which is made from gravel or expanded clay.

What does Meyer's asparagus look like?

Asparagus belongs to the Asparagus family. The plant is a semi-shrub, the length of which reaches 1.5 m. It has long and thick shoots, on the surface of which there are villi like needles. Small scaly leaves grow on lateral shoots. The plant is colored in different shades of green.

Meyer's asparagus has decorative properties

For your information! After two months of flowering, small red poisonous fruits appear.

Common varieties

The most common varieties and types of asparagus:

• perennial outdoor winter-hardy asparagus. Grown in hanging pots, shoots reach 50 cm in length;
• asparagus Setaceus, or feathery, looks like a fern. Of all the varieties of asparagus, pinnate is the most widely used in bouquets;
• dense-flowered asparagus, or Sprenger's asparagus (Asparagus Aethiopicus) - ampelous plant with branched stems 1.5 m long;
• Asparagus Umbelatus is a houseplant with slender but firm stems and lush foliage;
• asparagus Virgatus - an asparagus plant with fluffy foliage;
• asparagus Trifern - a variety with very thin leaves;
• medicinal asparagus (Asparagus Officinalis) - a plant with very thin shoots and leaves, which is used for food;
• pyramidal asparagus - a low evergreen bush with lush foliage;
• asparagus Medeoloides is a branched shrub with long and straight shoots.

Healing properties

Meyer's asparagus tinctures help with:

• migraine;
• inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
• edema;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Note! The components of the plant cleanse the body of toxins and toxins.

Briefly about the history of appearance

All Asparagus are native to the tropical forests of Africa and Asia. Asparagus Meyer naturally grows in the tropics of East and South Africa.

Asparagus as a decorative addition to the garden

Many gardeners know this plant not as a home flower, but as a garden element, since their openwork branches look incredibly beautiful, and such a beautiful asparagus will create a vivid impression on every person.

Just like the indoor view, it is unpretentious to care for. Asparagus in the garden also requires an open and sunny space to ensure regular watering and to prevent organic fertilization.

The asparagus growing on the site will let you admire its fresh greens for many years. After all, this plant is perennial, and it does not require any special care measures.

In order for the frost not to destroy the flower, you need to cut it off and cover all its branches with a layer of compost. Note that it will feel bad in an acidic environment or in a dark place. Garden species reproduce by sowing seeds or dividing the bush.

From all of the above, we can conclude that by planting asparagus either at home or on the street, you will not be hampered by the process of caring for it, but it will delight you with the freshness and richness of green.

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Breeding features

You can get a new plant in two ways: by dividing the bush and growing from seeds.

You need to plant seeds in the second half of February or the first half of March.

Seeds are poured into the prepared moistened soil, and cellophane is stretched over the container, creating a portable greenhouse. Seeds germinate in about three to four weeks.

Dividing the bush can be done throughout the year, but it is still better to do this before the beginning of the growing season.

Difficulty growing asparagus

Taking care of asparagus is easy, even a beginner can do it. The care is typical for all plant species. The most important criteria are watering and lighting. Observing small nuances in care, the flower will become a real decoration of your room.

Soil selection

In specialized stores, you can purchase a universal soil, or you can prepare a soil substrate at home on your own. To do this, it is necessary to take in equal proportions sand, greenhouse or leaf land. It is good if there is an opportunity to add forest turf to the mixture.

Lighting

All representatives of the asparagus family are quite light-requiring. Indoors, they must be placed in the most illuminated places. The ideal location is northwest or northeast facing windows. In the shade, the perennial will look weak and frail.

Only Sprenger's asparagus can be grown on the south window, as it tolerates direct sunlight well, which cannot be said about other varieties. The rest of the specimens are set aside a short distance from the window facing the south side.

Flowers on the windowsills on the east and west sides are shaded with a tulle curtain. Flowers bought in a store or after a winter dormant state need a gradual light adaptation: from lower to higher intensity. In this case, you can use phased shading.

Asparagus feels comfortable at room temperature, fluctuations from 15 to 25 degrees are not critical for the plant. At a constant elevated temperature (from 25), the stems of an indoor perennial may dry out, which will affect the state of the foliage. To prevent this from happening, asparagus must be sprayed regularly.

A representative from the tropics needs high air humidity. The spraying procedure must be carried out all year round, since the air dries out in winter due to heating appliances. The humidity can be increased by placing the flowerpot in a container of sand for a while.

A hardening treatment is also beneficial for a tropical plant. Asparagus can be taken out on the balcony for several hours in summer, increasing over time to several days.

asparagus in a mini garden

Asparagus needs abundant watering during the summer months. It is important to ensure that moisture does not get stuck in the pot. Two to three times a week is the approximate frequency of watering. The upper soil layer can serve as a guide: it must be dried up. The remaining water after irrigation must be drained from the sump. In winter, the frequency of watering and the volume of water are reduced. In the spring, you need to increase watering gradually.

Fertilizer

Active growth of asparagus is observed in the spring growing season. At this time, the flower needs a sufficient amount of nutrients. You need to feed the plant with complex fertilizer once every 15 days. Fertilizer should be applied after watering, when the substrate is moist, minerals are better absorbed. It is recommended to apply organic fertilizing once a summer season, which will increase the growth of young shoots.

Foliar dressing is useful for asparagus. Suitable for spraying leaves growth stimulator "Bud": dilute 1 gram of the drug in 1 liter of water. After this procedure, shoots with leaves acquire a rich color, healthy, fresh appearance.

Transfer

Young asparagus require an annual transplant, as they grow quickly, the overgrown root system does not have enough space in the pot. It is enough to transplant adult specimens once every two to three years. If the perennial is not transplanted at all, then the tubers will appear above the soil surface, the flower will lack moisture and nutrients.

The right time for this procedure is spring. The plant gradually adapts to new conditions, actively grows. The container for the transplant should be 2-3 cm larger than the previous centimeter. The peculiarity of the plant is that until the root system fills the pot, the greenery does not grow.

Transplant stages:

1. Water the plant before transplanting.
2. Carefully remove the flower from the container.
3. Examine the rhizome, remove rotten roots, old dried up branches. You can prune long protruding roots to give growth to young shoots.
4. Lay drainage (small stones, expanded clay, ceramic shards) at the bottom of the new tank. Sprinkle with prepared soil.
5. Place the renewed asparagus in a pot, covering it with soil to the same level.
6. Moisten the earth.
7. To put a flower for adaptation to new conditions in a not too lit place for five days.

A plant purchased from a store also needs a transplant. You can use the transshipment method: without reducing the volume of the root system and without shaking off the soil, carefully move the asparagus into a slightly larger container.

Growing features

1. Illumination... Diffused bright light is required.
2. Temperature regime... In summer - up to 25 degrees, in winter - up to 15 degrees.
3. Watering... Water is poured into a pallet. During intensive growth, watered after the top dries. In autumn and winter, watering is reduced, but the clod of earth is not allowed to dry out.
4. Humidity... Should be elevated. In the heat, the plant is sprayed from a spray bottle in the morning and evening.

Advice! You can increase the humidity by pouring wet moss, pebbles or expanded clay into the pallet.

1. Bloom. It rarely blooms at home.
2. Fertilizer... Regular: in spring and summer - once a week, in autumn - once every 2 weeks, in winter - once a month. Mineral complex fertilizer is used for decorative deciduous plants, the concentration is reduced to a minimum.
3. Dormant period... In winter, the plant grows and develops slowly.
4. Pruning... The procedure is carried out in early spring when transplanting.
5. Transfer... During the first 4-5 years, asparagus is transplanted regularly once a year in the spring. More mature plants are transplanted once every 2-3 years.
6. Priming... They are made up of turf, leaf and humus soil in equal amounts and add 2 times less sand.
7. Reproduction... By any means: cuttings, dividing the bush and sowing seeds.
8. Harmful insects... Spider mite.
9. Diseases... Appear as a result of improper care.
10. Properties... Asparagus fruit contains poison. However, in room conditions, it does not tie fruits even with rare flowering.

Soil preparation

If you decide to grow Meyer's asparagus from seeds, then it is better to prepare the soil for this yourself, especially since this is not at all difficult to do. Mix the garden soil with plant humus in equal proportions and disinfect the mixture in the oven or freezer.

After that, warm the soil mixture in natural conditions to room temperature. Only then can it be poured into the seed container. It should be wide and shallow.

Now moisten the soil mixture abundantly with a weak solution of manganese and leave for several hours to soak. Thus, not only insect larvae will be destroyed, but also harmful bacteria and viruses. Now you can start sowing seeds.

Care and maintenance at home: what the flower likes and what not

Green branches can be 20 centimeters or more in length, thanks to the dense small leaves, they seem fluffy. The pot is placed on the window, placed in a hanging planter, and a picky green miracle perfectly decorates any corner of the house or a country terrace.

But, for example, crescent asparagus in nature grows in height up to fifteen meters, with artificial cultivation, its size is much more modest - no more than four meters.

It is better to place the flower on the windowsill of the east or west window, but if this is not possible, place it a little further from the “south” window. The plant will not be comfortable next to radiators and heaters.

Caring for a flower cannot be called difficult, so novice growers will like its cultivation. The average temperature at which the asparagus will be comfortable is 22C, in winter it is taken out into a cool room, with a temperature of 14-15C. Humidity should be moderate, the pots should not stand in direct sunlight, otherwise the pet will die.

Flower care is very simple.

They water it often, but little by little, preventing the soil from drying out, for this, its moisture is monitored daily. It is not necessary to spray with cold water, this can be done only on hot days, although the shower helps to wash off the dust and refresh the plant. Moss and expanded clay will help maintain moisture in the pan, but excess water must be poured out of it.

From spring to late summer, asparagus is fertilized with complex mineral fertilizers no more than once every two weeks, it is recommended to alternate them with organic ones. Later, feeding is not stopped, only they do it less often. In winter, one top dressing per month is enough. The soil should be loose, slightly acidic.

Due to the rapid growth, asparagus should be transplanted once a year in the spring, otherwise the fast-growing roots will be cramped in the old pot. Bare branches can be cut off, they will not grow, but new shoots will appear soon.

Aphids and spider mites are formidable enemies of the plant. It can get sick and die from the contact of remedies on the leaves.

Summer flower care includes a warm shower and frequent exposing of the planter to fresh air. When taking it out into the garden or on the balcony, remember that the plant must be exposed in the shade or partial shade, and in no case in a draft. Protect the flower from stress and gradually accustom it to new conditions.

Helpful information! Having bought a plant, as they say "from hand" do not be too lazy to transplant it and the sooner the better. So you will protect it from possible pests in the soil and be sure that the soil in which it grows contains all the minerals and trace elements necessary for growth.

Some interesting things about asparagus

Asparagus, a native of the tropics, has long taken root in Russia. Today it can be found both in public places and at home. Compared to other tropical plants, it is completely unpretentious. This plant enriches the premises with oxygen and is an indicator of humidity.

Ornamental asparagus (as experts call it) is a prominent representative of the family of asparagus plants, the benefits of which are much talked about today. However, asparagus is an inedible member of the genus, but plays an aesthetic role. Its stems today not only decorate the premises, but are also widely used in the field of floristry.

Asparagus species

Only a few varieties are grown at home, namely:

Sprenger's Asparagus

A fairly light-loving plant.

Asparagus meyeri

It has long (up to 60 centimeters) pubescent shoots.

Asparagus plumose (Asparagus plumosus)

Asparagus asparagus (Asparagus asparagoides)

This shrub has creeping shoots. And also other species grow.

This type of plant is used for landscaping premises for children, as well as for composing vertical or cascading compositions. Almost all types of asparagus, which are grown indoors, are undemanding to care for, and they also feel great in almost any room.

Until recently, asparagus could be seen in almost every apartment, but over time they have become less popular. However, their spectacular twigs are still used to create bouquets, as well as various compositions.

At the moment, the popularity of asparagus is returning. So, they are increasingly used to decorate yards and terraces, growing in the open field. And also they can often be found in winter gardens.

Asparagus lighting

Since asparagus is a tropical plant, it is very picky about bright light. But at the same time, it is undesirable to allow direct sunlight to fall on the flower. If the windows face south in the room, the flower needs to be shaded a little, or placed further from the window. Under intense light, the plant will thrive. If you plan to change the lighting conditions, then this should be done gradually.

Pests

Sprenger's dense-flowered asparagus is often affected by the following insects:

• shield;
• mushroom mosquito;
• aphid;
• spider mite;
• worms;
• trip.

Additional Information! For pest control, the plant is recommended to be treated with insecticides.

Asparagus densiflora is an ornamental plant with an unusual appearance. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. In the latter case, it is taken to the warmth for the winter. This African flower is easy to care for and reproduces well. For this reason, it is recommended for beginner florists.

How to care for a plant?

Follow-up care consists of the following processes.

Watering seedlings

During the period of active growth, asparagus needs regular moisture, which is carried out once every five days or as the top layer of the soil dries out. In autumn and winter, it is enough to water the plant once a week or even every two weeks.

It is better to pour water into the pan, after 30 minutes the remaining moisture is drained. The earth will absorb as much as it needs.

Temperature regime

In summer, the air temperature should not exceed 25 degrees. The optimum temperature in spring and summer for asparagus is 22-24 degrees. In winter, a temperature drop of up to 15 degrees is permissible. But not lower. Elevated marks are also contraindicated, even with sufficient humidity, since the plant will still dry out.

Top dressing

Top dressing will be needed during the period of intensive growth of asparagus, the fertilizer is mixed with water and the plant is watered. The frequency of top dressing will depend on the season and the condition of the asparagus. You need to start fertilizing in early spring and finish in late autumn. In winter, feeding, as well as frequent watering, is not needed, since the culture begins a state of dormancy. In the summer, when the asparagus is taken outside, organic fertilizers such as chicken droppings can be added.

And here after transplanting asparagus for two weeks, do not bother at all, including the introduction of dressings.

Picking

A dive of sprouts is carried out when they begin to stretch out and press against each other. Plants are transplanted into separate pots or containers so that the sprouts are located on an area of ​​5X5 cm. It has already been said about what kind of soil should be in the pot.

The pick is carried out as follows:

1. Using a spoon or fork, you need to gently pry the plant along with the root and a lump of earth.
2. A hole is made in the new container, and the asparagus is replanted so that the sprout is slightly deepened.

Possible growing problems and diseases

Asparagus Spregneri can lose its attractive appearance for several reasons:

• improper care;
• diseases of ornamental plants;
• damage by pests.

Drops buds and leaves

If the cladodes and flowers dry up and begin to crumble, you should pay attention to the peculiarities of growing Sprenger's asparagus and care at home. The plant often loses leaves due to lack of light, severe drought or drafts.

Leaves turn pale

Shoot discoloration usually occurs due to over-watering or lack of nutrients in the soil.

The lower leaves fall

If the lower leaves begin to fall off, fungal diseases may be the cause. In this case, you should treat the bush with an antifungal compound, for example, Discorm or Gamair.

Description of the plant

Asparagus meyeri refers to the form of the Ethiopian asparagus and is a shrub with drooping shoots, the stems of which are densely covered with small needle leaves and resemble the tail of a fluffy animal, for which the plant received the nickname "foxtail". Reaches a height of 50 cm, in width it can grow up to 6 m. It blooms in summer with small yellow-white bells with a delicate aroma. In place of faded flowers, fruits appear in the form of spherical red berries with a diameter of 6-10 mm.