Asparagus is a long lasting perennial， and the first vegetable harvested each spring. It is prized for its flavor， is rich in vitamins and minerals， and is only 30 calories per cup. Compare this to the grocery price of fresh Asparagus， and you can easily justify the effort of growing your own. Fun Fact: 12 crowns should provide enough fresh asparagus for one person for the season. Plant more if you are planning on freezing or canning the spears.