The starting signal for Saxony's asparagus season is approaching

The asparagus harvest is set to begin in Saxony in the coming weeks. The conditions for a high-quality harvest are very good this year, said Jürgen Schulze from the Association of East German Asparagus and Berry Growers (Vosba). Good soil moisture, thermal foils and plenty of sunshine ensured that the soil warmed up quickly in parts of Saxony.

In some areas, the first yields can be expected in the next few days. Even if the nights are still cold at the moment, the sun is bringing enough energy into the soil, emphasized Schulze.

Night-time temperatures still too low

René Heidig from the Nieschützer Spargelhof asparagus farm in the Elbe Valley (Meißen district) was more cautious. "We are still in the process of forming the asparagus stem and laying asparagus foil on it." Although some areas have already been prepared, there is still not enough sun at the moment and the night-time temperatures are too low. "The film helps us to compensate for the temperature fluctuations somewhat, but it doesn't yet give us the decisive temperature advantage we need to start harvesting," says Heidig. He expects the harvest to start in the next 14 days.

Heidig is also cautious about yield expectations. The heat and drought of last summer had impaired the storage of energy in the roots - which could have a negative impact on this year's yield. The price of asparagus is likely to remain at the same level as last year. "There will be something for every budget, from 9.90 euros a kilo."

The asparagus region of Saxony

The asparagus season traditionally lasts until the summer solstice on June 24. According to the State Statistical Office, asparagus has been grown on an average of 141 hectares in Saxony over the past five years - with an average yield of around 344 kilograms per hectare. Last year, 23 farms were involved in cultivation. The Free State is one of the smallest German growing regions.