Thompson and Morgan Asparagus Officinalis Mondeo Crown

Mondeo' Asparagus from Thompson & Morgan is an impressive all-male hybrid, ideal for both spring and autumn planting. This versatile variety has garnered significant attention due to its exceptional yields and quality, particularly early in the season. Expect delicious spears with tight tips throughout the season, coupled with excellent flavour and good disease resistance.Prior to receiving your order, prepare permanent asparagus beds. Dig trenches 20cm (10") deep by 30cm (12") wide, filling the bottom with 7cm (3") of well-rotted manure or garden compost. Create a ridge of soil on top of the manure, positioning the asparagus crowns on the ridge with roots draped over the edge, spaced 45cm (18") apart. Cover the crowns with 7cm (3") of soil, firming them into place.Choose a sheltered location in full sun. Asparagus beds should be richly fertile and well-drained. Remove all weeds and incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost to enhance soil structure and fertility. For cold, wet soils, adding sharp sand or grit will help improve drainage.In autumn, cut back the yellowing foliage and mulch the crowns with well-rotted manure to protect them from frost. Each March, feed with a general fertiliser. Weed asparagus beds by hand to avoid damaging the shallow roots with a hoe. Water regularly during hot periods to prevent them from drying out.When cultivating asparagus, resist harvesting spears in the first season, allowing the plants to develop foliage instead. A limited harvest is possible in the second year during April and May, when spears reach 15cm (6") tall. By the third year, a full harvest can be enjoyed. Stopping cutting from the end of May is recommended to allow shoots to develop into foliage, although later harvests are possible, they risk weakening the plant.