Opinions on this seem to vary. But one thing is clear: A lot of people would love to have thick asparagus spears.
Here’s what we know: According to one source, all-male varieties such as 鈥楯ersey鈥 produce thicker spears; male plant do not get involved in fruit formation. Another source says 鈥楯ersey鈥 is recommended for home growers.
Another says it’s due to 鈥渧igor鈥: plant health; and goes to suggest that newer-producing plants make fatter spears.
But a range of spear sizes from one plant is also common. Spears that sprout from the center of the plant come up fatter because they are closer to the (center) nutrient source. Thin spears come from the 鈥渆dges鈥 of a plant crown.
Opinions on this seem to vary. But one thing is clear: A lot of people would love to have thick asparagus spears.
Here’s what we know: According to one source, all-male varieties such as 鈥楯ersey鈥 produce thicker spears; male plant do not get involved in fruit formation. Another source says 鈥楯ersey鈥 is recommended for home growers.
Another says it’s due to 鈥渧igor鈥: plant health; and goes to suggest that newer-producing plants make fatter spears.
But a range of spear sizes from one plant is also common. Spears that sprout from the center of the plant come up fatter because they are closer to the (center) nutrient source. Thin spears come from the 鈥渆dges鈥 of a plant crown.
So what can you do?
Grin and bear it, or give them away.