Expert: C.L. Fornari - 10/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have found an asparagus, which my father r.i.p. may have planted in the hothouse of garden, not maintained. this is set/stuck in cement, must be seeds dropped from original plant. My mother passed recently R.I.P, and this has now become very important to me. How do I take a cutting off this. Very strong looking base,is this called fronds. any advice will be great. based in Ireland

ANSWER: Yvonne,
I've never known anyone who grew asparagus from cuttings of the stems/foliage. I have known it to be grown from root cuttings, but it sounds like the roots of this plant are under the cement, yes?  It would almost be easier to grow it from the seeds if this plant makes them, but asparagus has male and female plants and if yours doesn't make seeds it's a male. So if you can't get to the roots and it has no seeds, I guess you can try cuttings but the best time to do that would be mid-summer -July - so that you are taking cuttings of actively growing stems but not stems that are too young. Like any cutting, take off the lower leaves and dip this area where the lower leaves were attached into rooting powder or gel, and place them in moist potting soil (new) in a light but no direct sun area.

Plants that grow out of unlikely places are the testament both to their ability to grow anywhere, and to the tenacity of life.

all the best,
C.L.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i worry that i may not have the time to wait till next July. This plant my mother used when making flower displays, therefore huge sentimental value. it is in a hothouse in an old garden, that is slowely falling to pieces.
1. if I cut this plant, is there a possibility I could kill it.
2. If i do cut this, any extra advice that may enable this to survive.
Thanks for answering my questions, this is important to me
Yvonne

Answer
The plant is going dormant now - cutting it won't kill it so don't worry. you can try making the cuttings now but I'm not sure it will work...worth a try however!  

The root will survive and grow next year.  Asparagus is called a fern, and I suppose you could call the stalk and foliage a frond.  Should you not be successful with the cutting this fall don't worry - the plant should come back next year.

If the greenhouse is crumbling, why not hammer out the cement and dig the root? If you can do this, do it in the spring.

all the best,
C.L.