Jersey Giant is an all-male hybrid asparagus from the Rutgers University breeding program, one of the earliest and most widely planted of the Jersey series. It is valued for early spring production, cold hardiness, and strong disease tolerance, making it a favorite in northern gardens. Being predominantly male, the plants channel energy into spears rather than berries, delivering high, consistent yields and avoiding the weedy volunteer seedlings of female-bearing heirlooms. Spears are large and thick with tight, well-formed tips, emerging green with attractive purple bracts. Established crowns are long-lived and productive for well over a decade. Jersey Giant adapts to a wide range of soils and thrives in USDA zones 3 to 8, where its early emergence gives growers a jump on the harvest season.
Flavor Profile
Mild, sweet, and tender with a clean asparagus taste well suited to steaming and roasting.
Visual Characteristics
Large green spears with distinctive purple-tinged tips and tightly closed heads on vigorous plants.
Growing Tips
One of the earliest to emerge, so protect early spears from late frosts; plant crowns deep in rich, well-drained soil.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Tolerant of fusarium, rust, and crown and root rot.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.