Marianne's Response
trelu-question
For the first time in 30-some years of growing asparagus, I have run into a confusing problem. The spears come up about 4 inches and then seem to shrivel. At other times I am able to pick healthy ones while some of the spears are still looking terrible. What to do?
Posted by on May 16, 2008
Marianne's Response
Sounds like a root problem. Do you have field mice or voles that could be feeding on the roots? Have you checked at the base of the wilted spears? There is an asparagus beetle that mostly eats the leaves but can attack the base of the shoots. The beetle is oblong and about 1/4 inch long. Hand picking these little beetles is one way to get quick control.
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