Overview
- Boris Rhein, Hesse’s minister-president, launched the season at a Darmstadt farm, crowned Elena I. as asparagus queen and joined a harvesting demo.
- Growers said shoppers should see most prices under €20 per kilogram, with typical ranges of €10 to €18 depending on quality and sorting.
- Farmers reported that a cold winter followed by a mild March set up strong yields and good spears.
- Producers warned that higher fuel and fertilizer bills plus a higher minimum wage are raising costs for this labor‑heavy crop.
- The harvest has been starting earlier in recent years, with asparagus already sold before Easter in Hesse, though the traditional season runs to June 24.