Asparagus dauricus
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What to Eat
Edible parts: Shoots, Stem
Young shoots. No more details are given, they are probably cooked and used like asparagus.
Where to Find It
E. Asia - China, Korea, Mongolia and Siberia.
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Chita), Mongolia, Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur), China (Heilongjiang Sheng, Hebei Sheng (north), Jiangsu Sheng (north), Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shanxi Sheng (north), Shandong Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng (north), Nei Mongol Zizhiqu), Korea
How to Identify
Asparagus dauricus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
How to Grow
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any good garden soil. Prefers a rich sandy loam. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation: Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.
