Growing Sprenger Asparagus from Seeds
Asparagus Sprenger is a semi-shrub ampel species. It has long shoots on which needle-leaves are densely located. With proper care, shoots can be up to 1.5 m in length, so most often asparagus is placed in a hanging planter. During the flowering period (spring - summer), the plant is covered with small white inflorescences.
Asparagus reproduces in several ways:
- dividing the bush;
- cuttings;
- seeds.
The first two methods are the fastest, however, they do not always guarantee a quality result. Young plants take root very poorly and often die. The most optimal way to propagate Sprenger's asparagus without loss is to grow it from seeds. Despite the duration of the process, such plants are stronger, have good disease resistance and tolerate transplantation well.
Sowing asparagus seeds
Seeds for growing asparagus are sown in the spring in a small container. The soil can be purchased at the store or prepared by yourself. Some growers use ordinary soil from a flower bed, pre-fertilized, and some prepare a mixture of peat and sand.
Before planting, soak the seeds for a day in a solution of pink potassium permanganate. When using garden soil, it should also be disinfected by watering with potassium permanganate.
Carefully lay the seeds on moistened soil, observing a distance of 3 cm between them. Lightly sprinkle with earth on top, cover with foil and put on a light windowsill in a room with a temperature of at least 20 degrees Celsius. Germination will take about 3-4 weeks, but seedlings appear almost simultaneously.
After the emergence of seedlings, they are left under the film for some time, periodically ventilating and moistening the soil. As soon as they grow up to 10 cm in height, the bushes dive into separate pots one by one. Be sure to put drainage on the bottom of the pots.
In the future, a young bush is transplanted once a year, and an adult asparagus is transplanted once every three years.
Caring for young asparagus
To grow a full-fledged lush plant from a young bush, the pot is placed on a light windowsill. It should be borne in mind that under the influence of direct sunlight, asparagus sheds foliage, so it will feel most comfortable on the eastern or northern windowsill.
By dropping foliage, the plant also reacts to increased room temperatures. In summer, the temperature regime should be between 22-24 degrees, and in winter - no more than 18 degrees. To help asparagus to carry dry air in the apartment in winter, as well as hot summer days, it is periodically sprayed. In summer, it is recommended to take the flower pot out to the open terrace or balcony.
To stimulate the appearance of lateral shoots on long shoots, they are pinched. You also need to remove old or diseased branches.