Asparagus abyssinicus

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any good garden soil. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak 12 hours in warm water and sow spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer[K]. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth. It is best to pot up the divisions and grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame until they have rooted well.

Edible uses

Young shoots - cooked. Root - cooked.

Habitat

Not known

Native range

N. Africa - Ethiopia

Same genus