These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
1 crown, 25 min. order.
Purple Passion Asparagus
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Purple Passion' is a relatively modern asparagus cultivar (Asparagus officinalis) developed for its unique deep purple spears and sweeter, milder flavor compared to green asparagus varieties.
Patent Status: 'Purple Passion' Asparagus was released over 25 years ago, so it is unlikely to be under active patent in the United States, and we could not find a record of it ever having been, however, it may be protected in other regions of the world.
Spear Production: Produces thick, vibrant purple spears that are visually striking. The color fades to green upon cooking. The flavor is notably sweeter and less bitter than green asparagus, making it appealing to those who find green asparagus too strong. The spears tend to be tender.
Harvest Time: Typically harvested in the spring, similar to other asparagus varieties. The harvest window can last for several weeks, depending on the age and vigor of the plants and local growing conditions.
Plant Size and Appearance: Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that sends up edible spears in the spring and develops into tall, fern-like foliage later in the season, reaching a height of 3 to 5 feet. 'Purple Passion' develops attractive, feathery foliage after the harvest period.
Flowers: Asparagus is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants. Both male and female 'Purple Passion' plants produce small, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers in the summer. Female plants will produce red berries if pollinated, but these should not be eaten as they are toxic.
Hardiness: 'Purple Passion' Asparagus is generally hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8, similar to most other asparagus varieties.
Pollination: For berry production (if desired for ornamental purposes or seed saving), both male and female plants are needed. However, for spear production, the sex of the plant doesn't directly impact the yield or quality of the spears.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal spear production and plant health.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Good drainage is crucial to prevent crown rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during the spear production period and while the ferns are developing. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Fertilizing: Benefits from fertilization in early spring before spear emergence and again after the fern growth has fully developed. Use a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Allow the ferns to grow and photosynthesize throughout the summer to build energy reserves for the next spring's harvest. Cut back the dead ferns in late fall or early spring before new spears emerge.
Uses: Primarily grown for its edible spears, which are excellent when:
Steamed
Roasted
Grilled
Sautéed
Eaten raw in salads (the tenderness and sweetness make it suitable for this).
Wildlife Value: The ferns provide some cover for small wildlife. The berries produced by female plants are attractive to birds, but as mentioned, are toxic to humans.
Ornamental Value: The vibrant purple spears are visually appealing in the garden. The mature ferns also provide an attractive, feathery texture to the landscape.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Purple Passion' is reported to have good vigor and disease resistance, though it can still be susceptible to common asparagus pests and diseases like asparagus beetle and crown rot if growing conditions are not optimal.
