Frank J. Dainello,
Extension Horticulturist
Department of Horticultural Sciences,
Texas A&M University
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VARIETIES
American Flag, Otina, Slo Bolt (test plantings)
SOIL PREFERENCE
Tolerates a wide range of soil types so long as tilth, nutrient and moisture levels are maintained, pH 6.5 - 7.5.
OPTIMUM GROWING CONDITIONS
Tolerates a wide range of conditions but does best under 50 - 85oF.
ESTABLISHMENT METHODS
Direct seeded on 38 - 40" wide raised beds in two lines, Scater shoe planter forming two seed lines 2 - 5" wide.
Optimum time=
| Direct seeded- soil temperature 45 - 85oF. | |
| Seeding rate lbs/A= | 25 - 50 lbs/A |
| Approx seed / oz= | 15,000 - 20,000 |
| Seedling depth= | 0.25 - 0.5" |
FERTILITY/FERTILIZATION
Rates presented as actual lbs/A N2, P205, and K20 (base actual rates applied on soil test results).
| Generalized rate lbs/A | 100 - 80 - 120* |
| N= | 1/3 pre-plant broadcast incorporated; top or sidedress 1/3 in two side or top dressings or after each cutting. |
| P= | Banded all approx 1 -2" below seed row at planting |
| K= | Apply with nitrogen as indicated above |
*If need indicated by soil test.
WATER/IRRIGATION
Low requirement, 6 - 12" uniformly applied throughout growing season. Critical Stage, seed germination and establishment
PEST MANAGEMENT
| MAJOR DISEASES | CONTROL |
| Leaf spots | fixed copper, Amistar |
| Nematode | K-Pam, Telone II |
| MAJOR INSECTS | CONTROL |
| Armyworm | B.t's |
| Aphid | Admire, Provado |
| WEEDS | CONTROL |
| Preplant incorporated | |
| Preemergence (prior to spear emergence) | |
| Postemergence | Poast |
* NOTE--The above is a partial listing of controls intended as examples. Some labels may have been revoked since the publication of this guide. Refer to product labels for specifics and use accordingly. Failure to do so may result in crop injury, death and/or citation for law violation. Humans, animals and the environment may also be adversely affected by misuse.
HARVEST
| Method= | Hand clipped 1.5 - 2" above bed surface or root cut and bunched. Some bulk cutting of foliage with harvester is done in some states where processing usage is available |
| Packaging= | |
| Clipped and Bunched= | 10lb box with 30 buches |
| Bulk Cut= |
Field wagons, bins |
| Anticipated yield= | 100 - 200 field crates (100 buches/crate) per acre |
TRANSIT CONDITIONS
33-35oF at 95-100 % RH.
Shelf-life= 14days
COMMENTS / PRODUCTION KEYS
- Can tolerate light frost .
- Hot weather or gibberellic acid (ProGibb) appilcations causes Cilatro to bolt, to seed very quickly, and cease foliage development.
- Exposure to ethylene gas or other produce which emits ethylene will shorten shelf-life
Texas Cooperative Extension, Horticulture Crop Guides Series
Revised November, 2003
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/vegetable/cropguides/asparagus.html
Prepared for Web delivery by Brooke Bludau, Amanda Zan, and Dan Lineberger