Purple Asparagus 'Argenteuil' (Asparagus officinalis) Organic Seeds
- Historic asparagus variety with tender, aromatic spears and versatile use as white or green asparagus.
- Open pollinated organic seeds from certified organic cultivation - seed packet with approx. 50 seeds.
- Perennial vegetable for long term cultivation - provides yields over many years in your own garden.
€2.99
Description
Traditional French asparagus variety with versatile use
The purple asparagus 'Argenteuil' is a historic French variety and one of the best known traditional types for classic asparagus cultivation. Originally grown around Paris, it was already highly valued in the 18th and 19th centuries and remains an integral part of European gardening culture.
The plants produce strong, thick asparagus spears with a particularly tender texture. When grown as blanched asparagus, this variety develops pale white to slightly green stems with characteristic pink to violet tips. Without earthing up, it grows as violet green asparagus with a more intense colour and slightly stronger flavour.
In terms of taste, this asparagus stands out with a fine, slightly sweet and nutty note and a pleasantly tender bite. 'Argenteuil' is therefore suitable both for classic asparagus dishes and for modern preparations such as grilled vegetables, salads or light spring cuisine.
As an open pollinated historic variety, these organic seeds are ideal for anyone wishing to grow asparagus themselves. Once established, an asparagus bed can produce harvests for many years and is therefore one of the most long lasting crops in the vegetable garden.
Plant profile
| Plant type | Herbaceous plant |
|---|---|
| Use | Ornamental plant, Vegetable |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Species | Asparagaceae |
| Seed propagation | Organic production |
| Region of origin | France |
| Characteristics | Needs darkness to germinate, Winter-hardy |
| Eventual height | 100-150 cm |
| Flower colour | Yellow |
| Flowering months | July, June, May |
| Main harvest | April, June, May |
| Fruit colour | Grün, Violett, Weiss |
| Root system | Deep roots |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | April, June, May |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 2-5 cm |
| Germination temperature | 18-24° C |
| Germination time | 1-4 weeks |
| Climate | Temperate |
| Soil type | Deep, Free-draining, Humus-rich, Sandy, well-loosened |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Water requirement | Medium |
| Nutrient requirements | Heavy feeder |
| Planting distance | 40 cm |
| Row spacing | 100 cm |
Sowing and care
Sowing and care of asparagus 'Argenteuil'
Asparagus is best started by pre cultivation from February to April or sown directly into a seed bed from spring onwards. To improve germination, the seeds can be soaked in warm water for a few days before sowing. Sow at a depth of about 2 to 4 cm in loose, humus rich soil. Germination requires patience and usually takes two to four weeks.
The young plants are transplanted to their final position in the first or second year. Asparagus prefers a sunny, warm location with deep, well drained soil. Waterlogging should be avoided. Thorough soil improvement with compost creates optimal conditions for long term growth.
As a perennial crop, asparagus develops over several years. A first light harvest is possible from the second year, with full harvests from the third year onwards. After that, an asparagus bed can provide reliable yields for many years.
Other names
Botanical name: Asparagus officinalis
German: Spargel, Gartenspargel, Bleichspargel
English: asparagus
French: asperge
Italian: asparago
Spanish: espárrago
Dutch: asperge
Login
