Learn how to grow asparagus, and youll have a delicious early spring harvest annually. As long as it has the right conditions, you can count on perennial asparagus to come back every year (its one of the only perennial vegetables!). Asparagus is slow to mature, but within three to five years, youll have an abundant harvest. Every spring, asparagus will come back, providing over a month of veggies every spring.
Asparagus spears are the straight young shoots of the plant, with scale-like tips. Wearing gloves is recommended for handling young shoots. In late summer, female plants produce red berries that are toxic to humans. Later in the season, the foliage matures into an airy, light-green fern which changes to a golden color in the fall. This perennial is typically planted from roots, or crowns, in early spring.
The unique and sculptural African spear plant, also known as Sansevieria cylindrica, is a popular houseplant admired for its cylindrical spear-shaped leaves. While relatively easy to care for, harvesting the leaves at the right time and in the proper manner is key to maintaining its health and encouraging new growth.
I’ve been successfully growing these amazing plants for years, so I wanted to share my tips and techniques for harvesting African spear plants. Follow this guide and you’ll be able to maximize both your yield and the longevity of your prized indoor succulents
Know When It’s Time to Harvest
Harvesting those tall, straight leaves is best done during the African spear plant’s active growing season in spring and summer. Here are the signs that tell you it’s time to remove mature leaves
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Lower leaves start yellowing or browning – This indicates the plant is shedding older foliage to make way for new growth Harvest any leaves that look unsightly or damaged
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Leaves reach maximum height – African spear plants can grow 2-3 feet tall. Harvest leaves once they stop elongating and reach their full height potential.
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Leaves bend or droop – The weight of oversized, top-heavy leaves can cause them to bend over. Cut back any overly long and heavy leaves dragging down your plant.
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New shoots emerge at the base – The appearance of fresh sprouts is a sure sign that the plant is ready for you to remove some mature stems.
Harvesting Tools You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before pruning your African spear plant:
- Clean, sharp scissors or gardening shears
- Spray bottle of diluted alcohol
- Container for holding cuttings
- Potting mix and planter (if propagating)
Sanitize your pruning tool blades with alcohol to prevent spreading disease between plants. Have a container ready to hold and transport the harvested leaves.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Method
Follow these simple steps for properly removing leaves from your African spear plant:
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Put on gloves for protection from the stiff, spiky foliage. Leaves have sharp tips and edges that can scratch skin.
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Use pruning shears to cut each leaf off at the base, where it emerges from the soil.
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Trim leaves as close to the soil as possible, but avoid damaging the plant’s stems and crown.
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Add each harvested leaf to your container until finished pruning the plant.
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Optionally, propagate the cut leaves in water or potting mix to grow new spear plants.
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Allow the parent plant time to recover and generate new growth after harvesting.
![Harvested African Spear Leaves][]
Harvested leaves ready for use or propagation.
What to Do with Harvested Leaves
The long, cylindrical foliage you cut from an overgrown African spear plant has many uses:
- Display the striking leaves in vases and pots around your home. They last 2-3 weeks in water.
- Propagate in soil or water to generate new spear plant babies for free!
- Create unique crafts like wreaths, swags, wall art and table centerpieces.
- Add height and greenery to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Repurpose as quirky plant stakes and garden decor in the landscape.
- Use as mulch around outdoor plantings after they dry and brown.
Don’t throw away harvested leaves – take advantage of their versatility in the home and garden!
Caring for Your Plant After Harvesting
Proper aftercare ensures your African spear plant stays healthy after pruning. Follow these tips:
- Allow the plant to rest 2-3 days before resuming normal watering.
- Mist leaves with water to increase humidity as it recovers.
- Move to a shady spot away from direct light immediately after harvesting.
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer to stimulate new growth after one week.
- Stake droopy stems until the plant adjusts to its smaller size.
- Check for any signs of disease like root rot and treat as needed.
- Be patient! It takes 1-2 months for spear plants to fully regrow trimmed leaves.
With proper harvesting technique and aftercare, your African spear plant will thrive for years to come. Timely removal of mature leaves encourages lush, continuous new growth.
Troubleshooting Common Harvesting Issues
If you notice any problems after harvesting your African spear plant, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Leaves stay small or fail to regrow – This indicates insufficient light. Gradually move the plant to a brighter location after harvesting.
Yellowing new leaves – Overwatering after cutting back foliage can lead to root rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Wilting or drooping – Severely pruned plants may be stressed. Mist leaves, move to shade, and postpone fertilizing until it recovers.
Brown leaf tips – Low humidity is a common cause. Increase moisture in the air using a pebble tray or humidifier.
Damaged crown or stems – Careless pruning can harm new growth. Always cut leaves off at soil level without damaging the plant’s base.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harvesting African Spear Plants
If this is your first time harvesting your African spear plant, you probably still have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries about pruning these amazing succulents:
How often should I harvest leaves?
On average, plan to prune back your African spear plant every 2-3 years. Harvest more frequently if it becomes overgrown or leaves decline.
Can I cut leaves anytime, or only during the growing season?
For best results, prune mature leaves during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Avoid harvesting in fall and winter when it’s dormant.
How short can I cut leaves without harming the plant?
Cut leaves down to 1-2 inches above soil level at the base. Never remove all leaves or prune into the underground stems and crown.
Should I cut off healthy leaves too, or just dead/damaged ones?
For proper growth and shape, remove healthy leaves that are mature, overlarged and top-heavy along with any unsightly foliage.
What’s the benefit of harvesting leaves? Why not just let them be?
Regular harvesting encourages new growth, maintains a compact shape, removes old leaves, and prevents an overgrown, unkempt appearance.
With the right technique and timing, harvesting your African spear plant is easy and provides lasting benefits. The simple act of periodically pruning oversized leaves will keep your plant looking tidy and encourage lush new greenery.
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Spacing, Depth, and Support
Asparagus needs space, so plant the crowns 12 to 18 inches apart. They won’t spread out much in the first couple of years, but once established, they will quickly fill in. Heirloom varieties need extra space, as they produce seeds and will self-sow. Newer hybrid varieties produce only male plants that dont have seeds, and will spread only through the growth of the existing crown.
The most common way to plant asparagus crowns is in a trench. In the spring, dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Combine your compost, fertilizer, or other organic matter, and create mounds about 18 inches apart. Set the crown on top of the mound, spreading the roots down the sides. The top of the crown should be about 6 inches below the soil line. Cover the crown with soil, and water well. As shoots appear, add more soil to fill the trench until its flush with the soil line.
Asparagus roots form a tightly woven mat, which makes it challenging to remove weeds. Make sure you control weeds before planting and while the plants are young, then add mulch to the bed to control weeds. Avoid interplanting with other crops because asparagus dislike competition for nutrients.
Soil
Because it is a long-lived perennial, soil quality is key in how to grow asparagus successfully. Work in plenty of organic matter and make sure the soil pH is in the neutral 6.5 to 7.0 range. Also, get rid of any weeds and large stones in the area. The soil must drain well so the plants are never sitting in water.