Asparagus Harvest Begins in Germany’s Film Tunnels

According to the South German Asparagus and Strawberry Producers Association (VSSE), the asparagus harvest has already started in regions such as Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Bruchsal, and Freiburg.

This is reported by AgroReview

Farmer Jörg Schreiber from Waghoizel noted:

“Currently, the volumes are controlled, but by next week or by Easter, we will have a normal harvest.”

On his 40 hectares, the asparagus is expected to be of high quality.

Optimal Conditions for Asparagus Growth

Warm weather promotes the active growth of shoots: a soil temperature of 18 °C is ideal for asparagus grown in sandy soils under film or in tunnels.

“The sun heats the air to 50 °C and the soil to 15-18 °C,” explains Simon Schumacher from VSSE.

Prices and Season Forecast

At the beginning of the season, prices, according to analyst Michael Koch, may reach 20 euros per kilogram, but they depend on weather conditions: a good supply may lower prices, while a slow start could help maintain them. Schreiber’s farm offers asparagus at prices ranging from 8 to 20 euros per kilogram – from soup quality to premium quality. Schumacher advises consuming the vegetable fresh, storing it at a temperature of 2 °C. This year’s asparagus promises to be “fragrant and sweet” thanks to a favorable winter.

However, despite the favorable conditions, the area under cultivation is decreasing: in 2024, 216 farms harvested 8,594.5 tons of asparagus, which is 4.5% less than last year. The main reason for this is the rising labor costs.

Also read: The first German asparagus will start selling by the end of March.