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dividing asparagus #778218

Asked November 22, 2021, 11:49 AM EST

My well established asparagus crowns are now moving into pathways. Is it appropriate to divide them with a shovel and move part of the crowns to another location? The newer shoots are more vigorous than the older ones, so I'd like to preserve them if possible. I have also noticed some disease problem characterized by imperfectly shaped spears and corky bases with brown streaks...a virus perhaps? My bed is old >25 years and was started with purchased 2 year-old crowns. I fertilize annually with rotted chicken manure and homemade compost made with cow manure. Thank you for your assistance.

Lincoln County Oregon

Expert Response

Yes, you can dig up your asparagus crowns and move them to new locations. Preferable to do this when they are completely dormant in the spring, before the shoots emerge, but you could do it during winter if we get an extended dry spell. The more roots you protect when moving the sooner they will recover, but alternatively you can just kind of whack out crowns without too much care, and they will survive fine. If you are seeing disease problems you might want to avoid crowns that are obviously affected (maybe flag bad areas of the plot during summer), or dig in areas that you know are most vigorous and robust. Let me know if that answers you question fully.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied November 22, 2021, 4:43 PM EST

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