Asparagus is a high-end and prized vegetable , hailed as one of the "world's top ten delicacies," and it's incredibly delicious. Many people want to grow it themselves. So, how do you germinate asparagus seeds ? Let's learn the methods below.
How to germinate asparagus seeds?
1. Soak in carbendazim
Before sowing, asparagus seeds can be dried in the sun for 1-2 days, rinsed with clean water to remove chaff and insect-damaged seeds, soaked in a 300-fold dilution of 50% carbendazim for 10-12 hours, and then soaked in warm water at 30℃-35℃ for 2-3 days, changing the water 1-2 times a day. After the seeds have absorbed enough water, take them out, wrap them in a damp gauze or towel, and place them at a temperature of 25℃-26℃ to germinate. Rinse them with tap water 2-3 times a day. Sow them promptly after 10%-20% of the seeds have sprouted.
2. Germination via sand storage
Sun-dry asparagus seeds for 2-3 days, then rinse to remove impurities, shriveled seeds, and insect-infested seeds. Store the seeds in sand before winter until planting time. Before winter, choose a high, dry, sunny spot and dig a pit about 50 cm deep. Then layer the seeds with sand, ensuring the sand is moist. The seeds should be buried at a depth of at least 20 cm. After spring, dig them out, sift out the seeds, and they are ready for planting. Because the seeds have absorbed enough water, they will germinate quickly.
3. Soak seeds in warm water
Asparagus seeds, which have not been stratified in sand, should be soaked in warm water at 45-50℃ before sowing. After the water temperature drops to room temperature, continue soaking for 2-3 days, changing the water 2-3 times a day. Then, remove the seeds and place them in a container. Wrap the soaked seeds in clean gauze and place them at 25-30℃ to germinate. Rinse the seeds with warm water 1-2 times a day to remove secretions and prevent mold and rot. When 10%-15% of the seeds have sprouted and shown white tips, they are ready for sowing.
Asparagus seedling cultivation method
1. Selecting varieties
Asparagus can be harvested for 8-10 years from a single planting, so it is essential to choose superior asparagus varieties. Superior asparagus varieties grow quickly, are highly disease-resistant, have high yields, and are of good quality. Excellent domestic asparagus varieties include Champion, Shuofeng, Jinglv 2000, Jinggang 701, and Jinggang Red.
2. Soaking and germination of seeds
Asparagus seeds have a thick, hard, and highly keratinized shell, making water absorption difficult and germination slow. To promote germination, pre-germination is necessary before sowing. Soak the seeds in a 300-500 times dilution of 50% carbendazim for 24 hours, then soak them in 25-30°C warm water for 2-3 days, changing the water 2-3 times daily. After soaking, wrap the seeds in clean gauze and place them at 25-30°C to germinate. During germination, water them 1-2 times daily with warm water at around 25°C. Sow the seeds once they show signs of sprouting.
3. Sow at the appropriate time
For crops transplanted before wheat, sowing can be done in early to mid-March; for crops transplanted after wheat, sowing can be done in early to mid-April. Before sowing, thoroughly water the seedling pots, sow one seed per pot, and cover with 2 cm of fine soil. Then, apply poisoned bait to prevent underground pests. Finally, lay a mulch film on the raised bed and cover the bed with a double-layered film covering using a covered shed.
