How to Grow Valentine Asparagus
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Valentine Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis 'Valentine'
vegetableValentine is a hybrid asparagus cultivar known for its deep burgundy to purple spears, which turn green when cooked. This vigorous, all-male variety produces tender, flavorful spears with excellent disease resistance and higher yields than traditional green varieties. The striking purple color contains higher levels of anthocyanins, making it both visually appealing and nutritionally dense.
When should you plant Valentine Asparagus in your zone?
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Example Valentine Asparagus timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Valentine Asparagus
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Valentine Asparagus
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Valentine Asparagus dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with excellent cold hardiness
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Get my Valentine Asparagus timeline →Growth Stages
Crown Establishment
Spring through fall, year 1Newly planted crowns develop root systems. Little above-ground growth visible in year one.
Plant high-quality 1-year-old crowns in spring. Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Remove any spears that emerge in the first year to redirect energy to root development. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch.
Fern Development
Spring through fall, year 2Fine, feathery fern-like foliage emerges above ground, photosynthesizing to fuel crown energy reserves.
Allow fern growth to mature fully; do not cut spears in year two. This foliage stores nutrients for next year's harvest. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer. Water consistently. Remove any diseased or yellowing fronds promptly.
Spear Production
Spring, typically March-May depending on zonePurple spears begin emerging in spring, growing 5-8 inches before sending up fern fronds if unharvested.
Begin light harvesting in year 3 for 4-6 weeks in spring. Snap or cut spears at soil level when 6-8 inches tall and still tender. Harvest when buds are tight; once buds separate, spears become woody.
Fern Regrowth
June through fallAfter harvest season ends, unharvested spears bolt and form feathery ferns that photosynthesize for the next year.
Stop harvesting by early June to allow fern regrowth. Feed with balanced fertilizer or diluted compost tea. Continue watering. Allow ferns to mature and die back naturally in fall; remove dead fronds.
Dormancy
Fall through early springCrowns enter dormancy after foliage dies back in late fall or with hard frost.
Cut back all dead foliage to 2 inches above soil. Apply 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure for weed suppression and nutrient replenishment. In cold zones, add extra mulch protection. Avoid working in the asparagus bed during winter to prevent crown damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles and egg-laden fronds. Use row covers on young plants. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap in early morning. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Similar to asparagus beetle; hand-pick and remove affected foliage. Maintain healthy fern growth to resist damage.
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Remove and destroy infested spears and fronds. Maintain good sanitation by removing plant debris. No chemical sprays are highly effective; focus on cultural control.
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Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use neem oil or miticide if severe. Maintain adequate soil moisture to reduce stress.
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Remove debris and mulch that harbor slugs. Use copper tape or diatomaceous earth barriers. Hand-pick at dusk. Beer traps can be effective.
Uses
Fresh cooking and gourmet cuisine
CulinaryValentine asparagus spears are prized by chefs for their tender texture, mild sweetness, and striking purple color. They retain vibrant purple hues when lightly steamed or sautéed, making them visually stunning on the plate. Perfect for grilling, roasting, blanching, or eating raw in salads. [source]
Nutritional powerhouse with anthocyanins
CulinaryPurple asparagus contains significantly higher levels of anthocyanins—powerful antioxidant compounds also found in blueberries and red cabbage. These compounds are associated with reduced inflammation and cardiovascular benefits. One serving provides vitamins K, A, C, folate, and dietary fiber. [source]
Traditional diuretic and anti-inflammatory
MedicinalAsparagus has been used in traditional medicine systems for centuries as a gentle diuretic to support kidney and urinary tract health. The high glutathione content may support liver detoxification, and compounds like asparanase are being studied for potential anti-cancer properties. [source]
Skincare and beauty applications
HouseholdAsparagus contains vitamins and antioxidants beneficial for skin health. Fresh asparagus juice or extracts are incorporated into natural beauty products for their potential anti-aging and skin-brightening properties due to high vitamin C and glutathione content. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeMature asparagus ferns with yellow flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, including parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests. Allowing some asparagus to flower supports a balanced garden ecosystem. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting in the third year of growth for 4-6 weeks in spring. Cut or snap spears 6-8 inches tall at soil level when buds are tight and the stem is still tender. Harvest daily during peak season for best quality. Stop harvesting by early June in zones 3-5 (mid-June in zone 6+) to allow fern regrowth. Well-established beds (4+ years old) can be harvested for 8-10 weeks. Purple color is most vibrant when spears are young; color may fade slightly if left on the plant too long.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Valentine is an all-male hybrid cultivar, meaning it produces no seeds. Male plants dedicate all energy to spear production rather than seed development, resulting in higher yields and larger spears compared to female plants.
- 🌱 The purple pigment in Valentine asparagus comes from anthocyanins, the same compound that makes blueberries purple. This coloration actually indicates higher antioxidant content and a richer nutrient profile compared to green varieties.
- 🌱 Asparagus is one of the longest-producing vegetables in the garden—a well-maintained Valentine asparagus bed can remain productive for 15-20 years, making it an excellent perennial investment for gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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