Bath Asparagus
Ornithogalum pyrenaicum
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Pl. 8E5D — Ornithogalum pyrenaicum
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IOverview
Overview
Bath Asparagus (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum) is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corsica, and parts of France. This plant reaches a height of 0.6 meters and thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is known for its edible leaves, shoots, and stems, which can be enjoyed in culinary dishes. One distinctive feature of Bath Asparagus is its light energy rating, making it suitable for areas with moderate sunlight. Its hardiness ranges from zones 5 to 9, allowing it to grow well in various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Bath Asparagus?
Bath Asparagus (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum) is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, including Greece, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corsica, and parts of France. This plant reaches a height of 0.6 meters and thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bath Asparagus thrives in light to moderate shade and prefers well-draining soils with a pH of 7–7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9 and grows up to 0.6 meters tall. The plant requires moist soil, particularly when growing edible parts such as leaves, shoots, and stems. For best results, use light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils that are not overly dry. Skip mulching if the soil remains consistently moist.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Bath Asparagus for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Bath Asparagus in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Bath Asparagus bulbs, potting mix suitable for light to heavy soils, containers or garden beds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil pH is between 7-7.5; mix in compost if needed for better drainage and fertility.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep, spacing them 20-30 cm apart to allow room for growth.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the soil thoroughly after planting; keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health; harvest shoots when they reach 15 cm for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulching, using incorrect soil pH.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShootsStem
Edible uses: The Bath Asparagus (Ornithogalum pyrenaicum) is edible and its leaves, shoots, and stems can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, these parts are prepared in salads or used as a vegetable side dish. They can also be dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 8 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 22 native· 8 introduced
Europe19 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaFranceGreeceItalyPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (5)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaFrance
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Africa2 regions
native (2)LibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Yugoslavia
introduced:West Virginia, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8e5d02da-45d1-4382-8622-de1015e0fa01
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