ii8 



is the most important single element needed by the 

 crop, but best results are generally secured by ap- 

 plying a high-grade fertilizer containing from four 

 to six per cent of nitrogen, six to eight per cent of 

 phosphate, and five to lo per cent potash. From 

 500 to 800 pounds should be applied annually. A 

 liberal application of nitrate of soda at the end of 

 the cutting season will usually be found beneficial 

 in stimulating a rank, vigorous growth of tops, 

 the beneficial effects of which are seen in the in- 

 creased number and size of shoots the following 

 spring. Few crops can be fertilized so heavily and 

 with as great profit as asparagus. From $200 to 

 $500 is usually considered a good gross income per 

 acre. The yield should be from 2,000 to 3,000 

 bunches per acre, and the price per bunch usually 

 ranges from 15 to 40 cents per bunch, although as 

 high as $10 a dozen bunches for extra fancy early 

 asparagus is sometimes realized. 



The relative merits of white and green "grass" are 

 disputed points. Some markets will pay a much 

 better price for the blanched or white stalks, while 

 other markets prefer the green. The green stalks 

 are usually higher in flavor and more brittle in 

 their character, while the white stalks are inclined 

 to be flat and woody. Once well established an 

 asparagus plantation should remain profitable for 

 from 10 to 15 years. Many patches are to be found 

 yet profitable after 25 to 30 years, but as a usual 

 thing the size of the shoots begins to diminish rapidly 

 after the tenth or twelfth year unless unusual condi- 

 tions for growth are provided. 



In marketing, the shoots are always cut and tied 

 in bundles of convenient size by the use of tape, 

 raffia or rubber bands. The bunches should be tied 



