244 THE NURSERY-MANUAL 



Asparagus. Liliacea. 



The common kitchen-garden asparagus is best propagated by 

 means of seeds. These are sown in spring as soon as the ground 

 can be worked, usually in rows a foot or two apart. Thin the young 

 plants to 2 or 3 inches apart in the row and give good .culture ; 

 the plants may be set in the field the following spring, and they will 

 give a fair crop after growing there two seasons. Small growers 

 usually buy plants of nurserymen. Old asparagus crowns can be 

 divided, but seeds give better plants. 



The ornamental species of asparagus are propagated by seeds 

 when they are obtainable ; otherwise, by division and separation 

 of the root tubers. A. asparagoides, the smilax of greenhouses, 

 is increased by seeds, which germinate readily. The roots may 

 also be divided, but seeds are to be preferred. Seeds sown in 

 February should give strings for cutting the following winter. 

 The young plants are weak and should be handled in pots ; they 

 should be ready for planting in permanent quarters by mid- 

 summer. 



The so-called asparagus fern (A. plumosus) is readily grown from 

 seeds, although seeds are rarely produced by the dwarf form (var. 

 nanus). Strings for cutting may be had at the end of the second 

 year, or later, after the seeds are sown. As soon as the berries are 

 ripe, they should be picked and dried for a month or so before 

 planting. 



Asperula (Woodruff). Rvbiacece. 



Propagated by seeds, and by division of the roots or clumps in 

 spring and early summer. The common A. odorata naturally 

 spreads rapidly. 



Asphodeline. Liliaceoe. 



Propagated by division in spring or fall, and by seeds. 



Asphodelus (Asphodel). Liliacece. 



Propagated by seeds, and by division of the root or clump in 

 fall or spring. 



Aspidistra. Liliaceae. 



Propagated by division of the crown in early spring, and by 

 suckers. Old plants divide readily when repotting. 



Asplenium. Polypodiacece. 



Propagated by division and by spores. See Ferns, page 312. 



