Variety field guide
What to expect from UC-157 F2
UC-157 F2 is a perennial asparagus selection grown for long-lived perennial beds, spring spears, and seed saving or crown establishment.
Read the complete product descriptionTraits, flavor, garden use, variety notes, and the full catalog record
Its deep green spears, often tipped with a soft violet hue, are straight, tightly budded, and exceptionally tender from tip to base. This modern variety was bred for early vigor, heat tolerance, and disease resistance-performing well across a range of climates from cool northern zones to warm southern fields.
About UC-157 F2
UC-157 F2 is a perennial selection of asparagus, with an upright/erect habit and an expected height or spread of 49–60 in. It is best suited to long-lived perennial beds, spring spears, and seed saving or crown establishment. Notable traits include delay heavy harvest until crowns are established, then cut spears during the spring window; fresh green spear flavor. F2 seed is a segregating second generation and cannot be accurately reduced to the Hybrid (F1) choice.
The value of UC-157 F2 is in the combination of its named traits, upright/erect growth, and fit for long-lived perennial beds, spring spears, and seed saving or crown establishment.
History and provenance
This is a perennial food crop whose first-year growth does not equal a mature harvest. Seed-grown plants establish genetic diversity and may take more than one season to reach full production, so establishment timing and mature harvest timing are kept separate. F2 seed is a segregating second generation and cannot be accurately reduced to the Hybrid (F1) choice. The exact identity or lineage of this seed lot should be confirmed from supplier records before making a stronger claim.
Growing facts
| Scientific name | Asparagus officinalis L. |
|---|---|
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Maturity | 365+ Days |
| Germination | 14-21 Days at 70–85 °F |
| Seed depth | 1/2 in |
| Plant height / spread | 49–60 in |
| Growth habit | Upright/Erect |
| Spacing | 18 in between plants; 48 in between rows |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil | Sandy loam; pH 6.5–7.0 |
| Water | Moderate |
| Support | No-Support |
Starting UC-157 F2 from seed
Sow 1/2 in deep and keep the seed zone evenly moist. Expect emergence in 14-21 Days when the seed-zone temperature is near 70–85 °F. Germination preparation: Start in clean seed-starting mix when season length requires it, then transplant at a sturdy but not root-bound stage. Light requirement: Cover evenly to 1/2 in. Soaking: Optional short soak; do not leave seed waterlogged. Stratification: None required. Scarification: None required.
Planting and care
Plant during spring and provide full sun. Space plants 18 in apart with 48 in between rows. Use sandy loam with a pH near 6.5–7.0, and follow a moderate watering plan. Support requirement: No-Support. Frost response: Hardy. Large permanent container possible, but in-ground culture usually supports longer life
Harvest and use
Approximately 365+ Days, from sowing to an established perennial planting; full harvest requires multiple seasons. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date. Harvest: Delay heavy harvest until crowns are established, then cut spears during the spring window. Uses: Long-lived perennial beds, spring spears, and seed saving or crown establishment. Flavor: fresh green spear flavor. Seed saving: Perennial seed crop. Best uses include long-lived perennial beds, spring spears, and seed saving or crown establishment. Flavor and eating quality: fresh green spear flavor.
Saving seed
Select several healthy, true-to-type UC-157 F2 plants that match the expected upright/erect habit and overall plant form. Avoid saving seed only from the earliest or largest individual unless that is your deliberate selection goal. Pollination system: Perennial seed crop. Seed-grown offspring may vary, especially in heterozygous or named clonal traditions. Separate compatible varieties that may flower together, or use cages, barriers, hand pollination, or another documented control appropriate to the crop. UC-157 F2 is a perennial. Seed production may require overwintering, vernalization, or more than one growing season, depending on climate and crop biology. Clean the seed carefully, dry it thoroughly away from direct heat, label the lot with variety and year, and store it cool, dark, and dry. Test germination before an important planting or distribution season.
Common problems
Common concerns: Damping-off, aphids, slugs, caterpillars, leaf spots, root rots, and stress-related bolting or poor establishment. Management: Start with clean seed and mix, match temperature to the crop, avoid overwatering, provide airflow, scout regularly, and rotate families. Diagnosis note: Similar symptoms can have different causes. Compare plants of the same age, record weather and irrigation, and use local Extension or diagnostic support before applying a control.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions - UC-157 F2
When is UC-157 F2 ready? Use 365+ Days. Approximately 365+ Days, from sowing to an established perennial planting; full harvest requires multiple seasons. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date.
How long does germination take? Expect 14-21 Days at about 70–85 °F. Cooler, hotter, crusted, saturated, or dry seedbeds can slow emergence.
How large does it grow? Expect about 49–60 in with an upright/erect habit. Space plants 18 in apart and rows 48 in apart. Support: No-Support.
Can it grow in a container? Large permanent container possible, but in-ground culture usually supports longer life Use a container with drainage and enough volume to maintain the listed spacing and steady moisture.
Can I save seed? Perennial seed crop. Keep compatible varieties isolated and allow selected plants to reach full seed maturity.
