20 Viking KB3 Asparagus Bare Roots – High Yield Perennial Asparagus Plants – USDA Zones 3-9

Overview

Bring the joy of homegrown vegetables to your garden with Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots. This offering includes 20 premium bare roots of the acclaimed Viking KB3 variety, known for its exceptional vigor and productivity. As a robust, open-pollinated (heirloom) perennial, this asparagus plant establishes quickly, providing years of delicious harvests. The Viking KB3 is a standout for its ability to produce heavy yields of thick, tender, and flavorful green spears. It represents a significant improvement over the classic ‘Mary Washington’ variety, having been developed in Ontario, Canada, specifically for resilience in diverse climates. Gardeners in colder regions (USDA Zones 3-9) will particularly appreciate its hardiness and lower winterkill rates, though it also thrives in hot, dry areas. These perennial asparagus plants are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for a reliable and rewarding crop.

The Latin name for asparagus is Asparagus officinalis, and the Viking KB3 cultivar exemplifies the best traits of this cherished garden staple. Planting these Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots means investing in a long-term food source that returns year after year. Its adaptability and high performance make it a popular choice for those seeking a dependable vegetable garden addition. Prepare to enjoy fresh, gourmet-quality asparagus right from your backyard, making every meal a special occasion.

Key Benefits

Choosing to plant Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots offers numerous advantages for your garden and your table. This superior asparagus variety is designed for optimal performance and delicious results.

• High Yields: Experience an abundance of thick, tender green spears, ensuring a generous harvest for fresh consumption and preservation. This variety is specifically bred for its prolific production, making it a favorite for those who want to high yield asparagus.
• Exceptional Flavor: Enjoy the classic, rich, and sweet taste of asparagus, perfect for grilling, steaming, roasting, or adding to your favorite dishes. The quality of these spears is consistently high.
• Cold Hardy: Particularly well-suited for colder climates, the Viking KB3 boasts excellent winter hardiness, thriving in USDA Zones 3-9 with lower winterkill compared to other varieties. This makes it an ideal choice if you want to grow asparagus in cold climates.
• Improved Genetics: An enhanced selection from the renowned ‘Mary Washington’ variety, offering superior disease resistance and overall vigor, ensuring a healthier and more productive patch. This improvement over the classic makes it a preferred choice for many gardeners, building upon the legacy of the Mary Washington asparagus improved.
• Adaptable Growth: While excelling in cold regions, these bare roots also perform remarkably well in hot and dry conditions, showcasing their versatile nature.
• Perennial Longevity: Once established, your asparagus patch will produce for 15-20 years or more, providing a sustainable and long-term food source with minimal replanting effort.
• Nutrient-Rich: Asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals, offering a healthy and delicious addition to your diet straight from your garden.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Successfully growing Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots requires proper site selection and consistent care, especially during the first few years. Asparagus thrives in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a well-drained location, as asparagus does not tolerate wet feet, which can lead to root rot. Prepare your soil by amending it with plenty of organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage. A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is ideal. Dig a trench about 8-12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Create a mound of soil in the bottom of the trench, and spread the roots of each bare root crown over the mound, placing them about 12-18 inches apart. Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil, and water thoroughly.

As the spears begin to grow, gradually fill in the trench with soil until it is level with the surrounding ground. During the first year, do not harvest any spears; allow all foliage to grow to help the plant establish a strong root system. In subsequent years, you can begin light harvesting in the second year, increasing to a full harvest by the third year. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer or a side dressing of compost. Watch out for asparagus beetles, which can be managed with organic pesticides or by hand-picking. Proper care ensures your perennial asparagus plants will provide delicious harvests for many seasons to come. For those looking to grow asparagus in cold climates, mulching the crowns in late fall can provide extra winter protection.

Size & Details

This product includes 20 Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots, ready for planting. Each bare root crown is typically 1-2 years old, providing a strong foundation for rapid establishment and growth. When mature, Viking KB3 asparagus plants will produce spears that are thick and tender, usually reaching 6-8 inches in height before harvesting. The mature foliage can reach 3-5 feet tall, creating an attractive fern-like display in your garden. These bare roots are shipped without soil or pots, making them lightweight and easy to handle for planting.

Expect your asparagus patch to begin light production in its second year, with full production starting in the third year and continuing for 15-20 years or more. The Viking KB3 variety is known for its robust growth habit and disease resistance, contributing to its longevity and reliability. Its ability to thrive in USDA Zones 3-9 makes it a versatile choice for many gardeners, ensuring a rewarding harvest of this beloved vegetable. This improved selection ensures a consistent and abundant supply of fresh, homegrown asparagus.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots get? A: Each bare root crown is typically 1-2 years old upon arrival. Once established, the asparagus spears can grow 6-8 inches tall before harvesting, and the mature fern-like foliage can reach 3-5 feet in height.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots are intended for outdoor cultivation. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that requires a dormant period and significant space to thrive in a garden setting.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Asparagus requires some initial effort in bed preparation and patience during its establishment phase. However, once established (typically by the third year), it becomes a relatively low-maintenance perennial crop, providing yields for decades.
• Q: What condition will the bare roots arrive in? A: The Viking KB3 asparagus bare roots will arrive dormant, without soil or pots, ready for planting. It is important to plant them as soon as possible after arrival, or store them in a cool, dark place if immediate planting isn’t feasible.
• Q: When is the best time to plant Viking KB3 asparagus? A: The ideal time to plant asparagus bare roots is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This allows the plants ample time to establish their root systems before the heat of summer.
• Q: Will these perennial asparagus plants survive winter in my zone? A: Yes, the Viking KB3 is particularly known for its cold hardiness and is suitable for USDA Zones 3-9. It has lower winterkill rates compared to many other varieties, making it excellent for those who want to grow asparagus in cold climates.
• Q: How long until I can harvest from these high yield asparagus plants? A: For the first year after planting, do not harvest any spears. In the second year, you can harvest lightly for 2-3 weeks. By the third year, you can enjoy a full harvest season of 6-8 weeks from your high yield asparagus.