Commercial Growers
Asparagus Seed - Aspara Pacific supplies asparagus seed to growers around the world either through our agents in Japan and Europe (www.hargreavesplants.co.uk) or direct.
New Zealand Asparagus is proudly GE Free. We use only traditional breeding and selection processes that have been used for hundreds of years to produce our new varieties for discerning world markets.
Pacific 2000
Pacific Purple
New Developments
Technical Information
Bred by Peter in New Zealand, Pacific 2000 combines the best quality of north American asparagus with long bed life of European varieties. Pacific 2000 was painstakingly chosen from the best hybrids produced after years of careful selection at Lincoln, New Zealand. The resulting F1 hybrid shows outstanding vigour producing abundant yields of uniform all-green spears.
Released in 2000 as the first asparagus hybrid for the new millennium, Pacific 2000 has found immediate acceptance in demanding international markets. Pacific 2000 is the leading asparagus variety in New Zealand and is a top performer in trials in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Australasia.
Longevity - Pacific 2000 lasts longer than Jersey Giant or UC 157. Superior persistence of Pacific 2000 means that growers do not have to replant as frequently, resulting in major cost savings.
Spear quality - Pacific 2000 has superior spear quality. It maintains a tight head at 25 cm and has an all-green spear with no purple blush commonly associated with the Jersey varieties.
Pacific 2000 produces a very uniform spear. High health seed means it has very even emergence of highly vigorous plants.
Pacific Purple is a new "super-sweet" asparagus variety. Its distinctive dark purple spears have gained immediate acceptance in markets in Europe, Asia and north America. Pacific Purple tastes sweeter, has less fibre and more anti-oxidants than green asparagus.
Bred by Aspara Pacific, Pacific Purple produces a very high quality spear that is dark purple in colour from tip to butt. It is now recognized as the best quality purple asparagus variety in the world. The spears have a slightly larger diameter than most green varieties.
Dual Purpose - Very tender spears and high sugar content means Pacific Purple can be grown as a dual-purpose variety for purple or for super-sweet white asparagus. Pacific Purple is suited for traditional white production or for growing in black tunnel houses where its low fibre content means the white spears don't require peeling before cooking.
The World's first Phytophthora tolerant asparagus variety
Phytophthora rot is an important fungal disease of asparagus in many countries of the world including North, Central and South America, England and Europe, Asia, and Australasia. The disease causes establishment failures and can reduce yields by over 50%.
Our goal has been to control this important disease without the need for chemicals. After almost 30 years of breeding and selection we have now produced the world's first Phytophthora-tolerant asparagus varieties.
Trial results in several countries show the new Phytophthora-tolerant hybrids not only survive the ravages of the disease but produce higher yields than some of the best varieties currently available.
Further rigorous evaluation of this new generation of asparagus varieties will result in release of the world's first Phytophthora tolerant asparagus.
Asparagus is a low-risk, permanent horticultural crop. The yield of marketable spears is reliable and involves a minimum of crop husbandry compared with other horticultural crops. As such the crop is well suited to part-time horticulturists as well as livestock farmers, process crop growers and growers of other permanent crops such as fruit trees or vines.
Climate
Most climatic types are suitable given the varieties now available.
Soils
A wide range of soils can be used in which to plant asparagus. Management techniques will change slightly from soil type to soil type. The most ideal soil is:
- light
- free-draining
- deep
- preferably free of compaction zones
Weed Control
The proposed site should be free of perennial weeds. Perennial weeds are a perennial headache in asparagus. These should be eliminated before the asparagus is planted.
Availability of Plants
Good quality plants of the best varieties are often in short supply. Asparagus can be established with either seedlings or crown transplants. Always choose plants from a High Health Nursery.
There are a number of specialist asparagus nurseries. Always check that they have plants of the best variety available and place an order early (6-9 months before you plan to plant).
High Health Plants - these are plants that are produced under a strict regime of quality control. Plants from a High Health Nursery will be:
- True to label
- Free of perennial weeds
- Treated for diseases that may affect establishment
- Grown in soil with no previous history of asparagus
- If stored, the crowns should be kept in a high humidity cool store
Shelter
Shelter is often beneficial. Good shelter:
- Reduces soil erosion
- Improves fern growth
- Protects spears against the effects of strong winds
Deciduous shelter is often preferred.
Fertiliser
Asparagus is not a demanding crop in terms of fertilizer requirements.
Apply lime and superphosphate at least 6 months before planting, then deep plough.
Irrigation
Asparagus is drought tolerant but adequate summer moisture is essential. In drier areas and on light textured soils, irrigation will improve establishment and yields especially in the first two years.
For More Information see:
www.hortnz.co.nz - product group Asparagus
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