Asparagus may fern early in hot temperatures or drought. Make sure that your plants are getting enough water. Also, that they are receiving a topdressing of fertilizer each year. If they run out of nutrients, the spears may be small. Thin spears may also be a sign of age (which would not be the case in a 5-year-old bed) or harvesting too many spears, which can stress the plant. Also, be sure to only remove the ferns after they have completely browned. If removed too early, the plant can’t make enough food for it to survive well, causing weak growth next year.
Asparagus may fern early in hot temperatures or drought. Make sure that your plants are getting enough water. Also, that they are receiving a topdressing of fertilizer each year. If they run out of nutrients, the spears may be small. Thin spears may also be a sign of age (which would not be the case in a 5-year-old bed) or harvesting too many spears, which can stress the plant. Also, be sure to only remove the ferns after they have completely browned. If removed too early, the plant can’t make enough food for it to survive well, causing weak growth next year.