White asparagus Seeds

White asparagus is not a separate colour of seed: the spears turn white because soil is mounded over them to keep out light. The plant (Asparagus albus) is a perennial that crops for 10–15 years, with the first harvest in the second or third year. Packets hold 5 or 10 seeds.

Also known as: White asparagus, Белая спаржа (Russian).

Sowing

• Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost, in well-draining mix.
• Germination usually takes 2–3 weeks at 20–25 °C.
• Move seedlings to the garden after the last frost.

How the spears become white

As spears grow, mound soil over the crowns so they stay in the dark. Without light they make no chlorophyll, so they stay creamy white and taste milder and sweeter than green spears, with a softer texture.

Bed and care

Choose a sunny spot with fertile, sandy loam. Keep the soil evenly moist in the growing season and feed with a balanced fertiliser to build strong roots.

Be patient with the harvest

Start cutting spears only in the second or third year after planting, once the crowns are established. A bed then keeps producing for 10–15 years with care.

What you get

A packet of 5 or 10 seeds, depending on the option you choose. We do not state a germination percentage for this lot.

FAQ

Can I grow green asparagus from the same seed?

Whiteness comes from blanching, not from the seed. Spears that grow in light develop chlorophyll.

When is the first harvest?

In the second or third year after planting, once the crowns are established.

How long does a bed last?

With proper care the plant produces edible spears for 10–15 years.