2023 How To Grow And Care Silver Queen: Expert Latest Advice

Understanding the Silver Queen Plant

The **silver queen** plant, known scientifically as *Asparagus officinalis*, is a variety of asparagus that produces thin spears with a distinctive [gray-green color](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray-green_color>). This variety is known for its versatility and productivity when properly cared for, producing up to **20 pounds** of spears per 10 foot row, making it a desirable option for both home and commercial growers.

More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

care silver queen, plant pots, potted green plant inside room — *Photo by* *Paula Brustur* / *Unsplash*

Selecting the Perfect Location for Your Silver Queen

Choosing the right location for your silver queen asparagus is essential for its growth and productivity. Several key factors should be considered:

Soil type: Silver queen prefers loose, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. Avoid heavy clay soils that do not drain well and tend to compact. Add organic matter like compost before planting to improve drained and aeration.

Sun exposure: Silver queen needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day for optimal growth. Plant in an open area with southern or southeastern exposure.

Protection from wind: Asparagus spears are delicate and can be damaged by strong winds. Plant in a sheltered area or create wind breaks using fencing, trees, or hedges.

Water availability: Though asparagus needs regular watering during establishment, it becomes drought tolerant after a few years. Make sure water can penetrate to the roots either through irrigation or natural rainfall.

Spacing: Plant silver queen crowns 15 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. This allows for ample growing space and air circulation to reduce disease risks.

Avoiding pest-prone areas: Do not plant near asparagus beds that have a history of pest or disease problems. Move to a fresh location to minimize risks.

By considering these key location factors, you can provide the ideal growing conditions for your silver queen asparagus to thrive for many years.

care silver queen, plant pots, green leafed plant on white ceramic vase — *Photo by* *Andre Gorham II* / *Unsplash*

Essential Tools and Supplies for Caring for Silver Queen

Proper tools and supplies can make all the difference in successfully growing and harvesting silver queen asparagus. Here are the basic necessities:

Shovel: A sharp-edged shovel is needed for soil preparation, digging trenches, and adding amendments like compost.

Fertilizer: Use an asparagus-specific fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to promote root development as well as potassium to strengthen stalks and spears. Apply in early spring before growth starts.

Pruners: A good pair of pruner scissors is essential for cleanly cutting spears at soil level as they emerge during the harvest season. Look for ones with long, ergonomic handles.

Mulch: Spread 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch like shredded leaves, grass clippings or straw around crowns after planting to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and keep roots cool.

Drip irrigation (optional): If natural rainfall is insufficient, consider installing a drip irrigation system for silver queen. This delivers water slowly and precisely right to plant roots.

Tool/Supply	Purpose
Shovel	Soil preparation, planting
Fertilizer	Promote growth and yields
Pruners	Harvesting spears
Mulch	Weed suppression, root protection
Drip irrigation	Targeted water delivery

Having the proper tools and supplies on hand when you’re ready to plant and tend to your silver queen asparagus will make all the difference in getting your crop established and ensuring bountiful harvests for years to come. Don’t overlook the basics – a sharp shovel, targeted fertilizer and handy pruners will become your trusted companions in the garden!

care silver queen, plant pots, green leaf plant near white wall — *Photo by* *Jana Knorr* / *Unsplash*

Planting and Propagating Silver Queen: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps when planting silver queen asparagus crowns for successful establishment:

1. Prepare the soil

Till or dig the planting area to a depth of 8-12 inches.
Remove any stones, debris or existing weeds from the soil.
Incorporate 2-4 inches of organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and drainage.

2. Lay out the planting trench

Mark rows that are 3-5 feet apart. Space individual crowns 15-24 inches within each row.
Dig a shallow trench 6-8 inches deep and 1-2 feet wide. The trench will be filled in after placing crowns.

3. Soak the crowns overnight

Soaking crowns for 12 to 24 hours before planting can help stimulate growth and reduce transplant shock.

4. Place crowns in the trench

Place crowns vertically with buds facing up, about 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
Space crowns 15-24 inches apart within rows.

5. Fill in the trench and water thoroughly

Fill the trench with the removed soil, firming it around each crown.
Water the entire planting area slowly and thoroughly to settle the soil around roots.

6. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch

Spread organic mulch like shredded leaves or straw over and around the crowns to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Following these step-by-step guidelines will help you successfully establish your new silver queen asparagus bed. Just be sure to monitor plants closely during the first growing season, providing extra water and nutrients as needed.

care silver queen, silver queen plant, palm trees — *Photo by* *CHUTTERSNAP* / *Unsplash*

Nurturing and Maintaining Silver Queen: Best Practices

Once your silver queen asparagus is established, there are several best practices to follow to encourage healthy growth and maximize harvests:

Water thoroughly and deeply. During active growth periods in spring and summer, water your asparagus beds 1-2 times per week depending on rainfall. Soak the soil to a depth of 6-12 inches.

Fertilize in early spring. Apply a slow-release asparagus fertilizer around March when spears first begin to emerge. Aim for a ratio of 3 parts nitrogen, 2 parts phosphorus and 1 part potassium.

Harvest spears for 3-4 weeks. Begin harvesting spears when they reach 6-8 inches tall and are thick and tight. Stop harvesting after spears thin out to allow plants to photosynthesize and replenish energy stores.

Maintain a 2-3 inch mulch layer. Replenish organic mulch if needed to maintain a 2-3 inch thick layer over asparagus crowns and roots at all times. This helps suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture.

Prune fronds after harvest. Once spears have turned woody, allow fronds to photosynthesize until they begin to yellow in fall. Cut back fronds to the ground to prepare for winter.

Avoid heavy soil disturbance. Asparagus has shallow roots that are easily damaged. Avoid working the soil or walking over beds when spears begin to emerge in spring.

By following these best practices for nurturing your silver queen asparagus plants after establishment, you will encourage perennial growth and ensure maximum yields year after year for decades to come. Proper watering, fertilizing, harvest timing, weed control and pruning are all essential components of long-term asparagus care.

care silver queen, silver queen plant, green tree on sand — *Photo by* *Jill Heyer* / *Unsplash*

Common Problems and Solutions for Silver Queen Care

While silver queen asparagus can be relatively low maintenance, there are a few common problems you may encounter and need solutions for:

Asparagus beetles: The adult beetles and larvae feed on and damage spears.

Handpick and crush eggs and larvae.
Spray infested plants with natural pesticides like neem oil or pyrethrum.
Cover beds with row covers to prevent beetles from laying more eggs.

Worms and snails: Several types of worms and larvae, plus slugs and snails, can chew on spears and damage plants.

Handpick worms and crush eggs during regular inspections.
Spread diatomaceous earth, crushed egg shells or ashes around crowns to discourage slugs and snails.

Fungal diseases: Rust and crown rot fungi can affect silver queen plants.

Improve airflow and air circulation to reduce humidity around plants.
Apply an organic fungicide labeled for asparagus after symptoms appear.

Production declines: Over time, yields may drop off due to root loss and overcrowding.

Rotate your asparagus bed every 7-10 years to a new location.
Consider adding organic matter and fertilizer to rejuvenate existing plants.

By being on the lookout for these common problems and implementing appropriate solutions like organic pesticides, crop rotation and soil improvement, you can minimize potential threats and continue harvesting bountiful silver queen spears year after year. Regular inspection and prompt action will be keys to long term success!