Larac F1

Class

Monocotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Liliaceae

Order

Liliales

Genus

Asparagus

Species

officinalis

Description

A perennial herb cultivated for its characteristically tasty shoots, used in cooking. It requires careful cultivation care in order to obtain continuity and an excellent level of production, both qualitative and quantitative, even up to 10-12 years. Present on the market with different cultivars that differ in size and colour shade of the edible part.

Variety description

Larac asparagus f1 is a difficult hybrid to cultivate as it needs a lot of care and attention. Water requirements are high in the summer period while fertilisation is rather elaborate, especially if one wishes to have continuity in production over the years. The duration is up to 10-12 years after planting. It is of fundamental importance to carry out the cultivation care in the indicated time and manner so as to have a final production with good organoleptic characteristics. The edible part is represented by the shoot, which can be harvested when green or white. Asparagus is considered a prized foodstuff and particularly appreciated by most consumers. Use of the plant is strictly agri-food and harvesting takes place mainly in late winter and the spring months.

Curiosities and special features

Asparagus is prized for its prized shoots used in gastronomy, cooked for direct consumption or for the preparation of first courses such as the timeless risotto with asparagus. With its diuretic and laxative properties, it is rich in water, fibre and antioxidants that promote regular bowel function as well as a correct metabolism while keeping cholesterol levels under control.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the temperate regions of the eastern Mediterranean and Mongolia, cultivated in its wild form for both food and medicinal purposes as far back as the ancient Egyptians and Romans. Rediscovered with great success in 17th century France as a prized foodstuff and symbol of wealth, today it is present with a wide assortment of varieties appreciated and consumed all over the world.

Flower size

Flower is Small.

Leaf

The leaves have needle-shaped, elongated laminae.

Fruit

The shoot has a pointed cylindrical shape and contains no seeds. The weight varies from 45 to 55 g, with a length of 22 to 27 cm and a diameter of 10 to 25 cm; the consistency is characterised by little fibre. The colouring is two-tone. From a sensory point of view, the aroma is intense, sharp and penetrating, while the taste is fresh and strong; it is fragrant with a characteristic, aromatic and intense flavour. The skin is not edible. The ripening period extends from late winter to late spring. Overall, the shoot is of good quality; it is a variety with excellent organoleptic characteristics and multiple culinary uses.

Flowering period

It flowers from mid- to late spring for a duration of 20 to 40 days.

Leaf colour

Unicolour shades.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1.5 to 1.8 m; for some varieties the use of supports is recommended.

Lifespan

Perennial plant with a seasonal growth cycle.

Where to plant

Due to its bearing and size, it can be grown in beds, open fields

Stem

The stem is herbaceous, semi-woody and the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, small form with a bell-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It blooms from mid to late spring, with a flowering period of between 20 and 40 days. It exudes a sweet, delicate fragrance. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Determined growth variety.

Plant habit

The plant has an erect habitus.

Branching

A species characterised by the presence of rhizomes.

PH

It prefers a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral with optimum values between 6.5 and 7.5.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil for spring-summer transplanting, dig up the soil 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky stones, then bury organic or chemical slow-release fertiliser and work the clods further using a hoe. To improve the drainage of excess water, continue by creating a raised bed by slightly bouldering the soil, then level the surface by preparing the postarelle according to a suitable planting pattern.

During the cultivation cycle continue to work the soil in the first 2/3 cm by surface hoeing to reduce water loss and remove weeds adjacent to the crop.

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Sun exposure

The best exposure for a suitable qualitative and quantitative production is in full sun, afternoon sun, sheltered from intense wind.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 24 °C. The biological temperature is between 10 and 30 °C.

Use

Plant cultivated for use

Agribusiness

Hardiness

Variety of medium to high hardiness.

Soil

The best soil condition for suitable vegetative growth followed by a good production level is loose or sandy, structured, deep and fresh soil that is rich in organic matter and well draining.

Difficulty

Cultivation is moderately difficult with an average level of management effort; care must be taken to perform the necessary cultivation care according to the correct timing and methods.

Growing tips

Some useful tips and cultivation aspects specific to this variety of asparagus:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Expose the plant to maximum light Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures

Intercropping/combination

Since asparagus is a multi-annual crop, which requires an adequate area of soil over time in order to develop, intercropping is not recommended.

Planting

For proper vegetative growth apply an average planting density of 2 plants per square metre. Transplant the leg (one-year-old root system with latent buds) to the bottom of the 15/25 cm deep furrow and place 5 cm of soil on top, irrigating immediately afterwards, preferably during the morning hours. In the first post-transplant phase, eliminate weeds in good time to prevent them from competing with the crop itself. For some varieties that reach considerable heights, it is advisable to place the stake close to the plant, but without damaging the plant's root system, and then tie it off with twine. Depending on the type of asparagus, it may be necessary to tamp down the soil in order to bleach the shoot.

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Pruning

Pruning is limited to harvesting the shoots by cutting just above the rhizomes.

Propagation

Multiplication is by seed or leg (rhizomes).

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively canal or well water with neutral pH, either manually or by sprinkling or drip-wing irrigation. When transplanting, assist the seedling by avoiding both dryness and over-watering, then allow the soil to dry out slightly between each irrigation, keeping it slightly moist but preventing stress from water shortage. During summer growth, the asparagus must be supported by adequate irrigation as this phase is very delicate. It is also advisable not to water the aerial part during the afternoon/evening and to irrigate immediately after harvesting.

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Fertilising

At the end of the harvest, before levelling the mounds for white asparagus, carry out a background fertilisation with organic or organo-mineral fertiliser. From the end of spring, carry out fertirrigation by supplying the soil with a specific fertiliser for horticulture diluted in the irrigation water in quantities and frequencies proportionate to the conditions of soil availability and the needs of the plant. Fertilisation by fertirrigation, particularly nitrogenous fertilisation, should be suspended at the end of July as going beyond this will stimulate premature budding of the buds destined to develop the shoots to be harvested the following spring.

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Pet safety

Consider the type of animal and consult with your veterinarian before any administration.

Edibility for humans

The shoots represent the edible part of the plant.

Toxicity for humans

The edible part, if harvested at the correct stage of ripeness, well preserved and taken in adequate quantities, does not lead to ingestion toxicity; however, consider the individual case for possible contraindications.

Tip

Variety with the possibility of cultivation for both White and Green. Cultivar capable of giving much satisfaction provided that the plants are patiently waited on and cared for for at least 2 years after planting without harvesting. If you wish to have continuity in production in the years following harvesting, it is necessary to proceed with a careful fertilisation programme: 1000 kg/ha of Fertilextra 8.6.10 and administration of ammonium nitrate at a dosage of 300 kg/ha. After approx. one month proceed again with the latter fertiliser, again at a dosage of 300 kg/ha, and finally distribute an orchard growth fertiliser 27.10.15 for 11 weeks after the end of the harvest. With reference to planting distances, it is necessary to emphasise that in this case the plants are much closer together than in the case of white asparagus, as in this case there is no formation of mounds of soil necessary for the bleaching process. Avoid fertilising, particularly nitrogenous fertilisers, after the end of July. From the end of July until the first frost, it is essential to keep the aerial part of the plant healthy by combating rust and stem blight.