Thompson and Morgan Asparagus Officinalis Mondeo Crown 5 Pack

Mondeo’ asparagus from Thompson & Morgan is a superb all-male hybrid, ideal for both spring and autumn planting. This popular variety is prized for its impressive yields and exceptional quality, particularly early in the season. Expect delicious spears with tightly closed tips throughout the cutting period, along with excellent flavour and good disease resistance.Prior to receiving your crowns, prepare permanent asparagus beds. Dig trenches 20cm (10") deep and 30cm (12") wide, adding a 7cm (3") layer of well-rotted manure or garden compost to the base. Create a ridge of soil on top of the manure, and position the asparagus crowns on the ridge, draping their roots over the sides, spaced 45cm (18") apart. Cover the crowns with 7cm (3") of soil, firming them in place. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with richly fertile, well-drained soil.Ensure the area is weed-free, incorporating plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost to enrich the soil. For cold, wet soils, sharp sand or grit will improve drainage. In autumn, cut back the yellowing foliage and mulch the crowns with well-rotted manure to protect against frost. Feed with a general fertiliser each March. Weed by hand to avoid damaging the shallow roots. Water regularly during hot weather to prevent drying out.Refrain from harvesting spears in the first year, allowing the plants to establish foliage. A limited harvest is possible in the second year during April and May, when spears reach 15cm (6"). Full harvesting can commence in the third year. It is advisable to stop cutting from the end of May to allow shoot development into foliage, although later harvests are possible, they risk weakening the plant.