Asparagus farming in Kenya is now becoming a lucrative business for small-scale farmers. The crop is mainly grown for export, as many Kenyan households aren’t familiar with its use.
Okay, first things first, What is Asparagus, and what is it used for? Before we start, you need to know what you are farming, its value, and where you can get it.
Asparagus is a perennial plant that takes years (2-to 3) before harvesting. (Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet 🍬- Aristotle). Although it takes a couple of years to produce, the plant will remain productive for 25 years after the first harvest.
Related: French Beans Farming in Kenya
Asparagus Farming in Kenya
In this post, we’re not going to discuss how asparagus farming in Kenya is done. However, we’re going to point you in the right direction by talking about the following:
- Asparagus varieties are grown in Kenya.
- Where is Asparagus grown in Kenya?
- The price of Asparagus per kilogram in the market
- Where to get Asparagus seeds in Kenya
- Asparagus Market in Kenya – Where to export your produce.
- Climatic conditions that favor asparagus farming in Kenya
Why is Asparagus farming a Profitable Venture?
In Kenya, Asparagus is mainly grown for export to a small extent for local consumption in restaurants.
Everything ranging from the roots to the berries of Asparagus is consumed because of its medicinal properties.
So, What are the Asparagus varieties that are grown in Kenya?
Different varieties of Asparagus are grown around the world. The following asparagus varieties are available in Kenya;
- Mary Washington
- Jersey Giant F1
- Jersey King F1
It is important to note that when it comes to asparagus farming in Kenya,
Where does Asparagus Grow in Kenya?
Research is still ongoing to test if Asparagus does well in other areas across the country.
However, it is good to know that Asparagus does well in different soil types and under various climatic conditions.
Still, it thrives best in fertile, well-drained soils in moist temperate regions with long growing seasons.
Asparagus grows in Kenya in the following regions.
- Gilgil and the surrounding vicinities in Nakuru County
- Molo
- Subukia
Where to get Asparagus seeds in Kenya
Several suppliers are available in the country; we know the significant suppliers.
- Desertcart. Co.ke Imports asparagus seeds from the USA
- Continental seeds – Sells the asparagus US 72 variety.
- Urban garden.co.ke
The price of Asparagus per kilogram in the market
Asparagus currently retails at Ksh 500-600 per kilogram. If you are within Nairobi, you can visit the following places to see for yourself.
- City Market
- Marikiti
- Fig Tree market – Ngara
- Zucchini Greengrocers Limited – ABC Place.
- Tuskys Supermarkets.
- Kalimoni greens organic shop – Karen.
- The Organic Farmers Market at Marula Studios.
- Two Rivers Shopping Mall.
- New Muthaiga Shopping Mall Market.
- Chandarana (Foodplus) supermarkets.
Asparagus Market in Kenya – Where to export your produce
Many go-betweens are in the Asparagus business, so looking for exporters for your farm produce may be tricky.
However, if you post your products on farming groups on Facebook, you can get a willing buyer for your farm produce.
In the meantime, we’re still conducting market research, and we’ll let you know where to export your produce without intermediaries.
Let us hear about your asparagus farming experiences in the comment section below. We also want to hear about your plans for this venture.
