Step 1: Incubate The Seeds
- Soak the seeds in clean cold water (or warm water around 30°C) for 1-2 days.
- Soak until the seeds look bigger and the skin becomes softer. Then remove the seeds, discard the small ones, and rinse thoroughly several times to remove the sour smell or sticky residue on the seeds.
Step 2: Prepare The Soil
- Ensure the soil is loose, fertile, and free from disease. You can mix the soil with agricultural additives such as straw, compost, rice husks, coconut husks, or peanut husks that have been treated with microbial products to improve soil fertility and improve the nutrition of asparagus seedlings.
Step 3: Sow The Seeds
- Fill the seedling tray with soil and level it to ensure proper compaction. Spray a little water to moisten the soil.
- Use your fingers to make a hole in the tray, about 1-2 cm deep.
- Place the sprouted asparagus seeds in the hole and cover it gently with a layer of compost or fine soil.
- Water the seedling tray slowly, making sure the entire tray is wet.
- Make a drainage hole in the bottom of the tray to allow proper water drainage. Place the seedling tray in a well-lit area to stimulate seed germination.
Step 4: Care and Harvest
- Keep the plant well hydrated by watering it regularly. It is recommended to water 2-3 times a week, preferably after 5 pm to avoid affecting the newly growing asparagus shoots. Use mulch such as straw, compost, or coconut coir to retain moisture.
- Harvesting can be done after 3-4 months of planting when young asparagus plants reach a height of 20-30cm. Cut the shoots just above ground level to harvest asparagus spears.