The cold, damp spring has delayed Norfolk's asparagus harvest - but the rapidly-growing crop has finally emerged to be celebrated at a farm shop's festival.

The Tacons, at Rollesby, near Great Yarmouth, began picking its asparagus last week, two weeks later than usual.

The plants thrive in warm, dry weather, so yields are expected to be lower after the slow start to a season constrained by the gloomy weather.

But Emma Tacon, who runs the farm shop with her husband Charlie, said the upside could be that this year's asparagus is tastier.

Eastern Daily Press: Asparagus grown at The Tacons in Rollesby, near Great Yarmouth

"The lower temperature will slow the growth, but it does not affect the quality - in fact you could argue if it is slightly slower growing it might have more flavour as there is more time for the flavour to develop," she said.

The air is now warm enough to drive the plant's extraordinary growth rate - although this week's heavy rainstorms have created another problem.

"The asparagus grows six inches in a day when it is warm and dry," said Mrs Tacon. "But the fierce rainfall has splashed the soil around it while it grows, so we have got to get the grit out of it - when we sell it at the moment I am telling everyone to wash it again."

Eastern Daily Press: Charlie Tacon, seated centre, with his team of asparagus pickers, from left, Vasfi, Vili, Dawn

The farm's seven-strong picking team will gather around 60,000 bundles of asparagus during the season, typically with 15 spears in each.

But although this year's harvest started late, it does not mean the season will finish later.

"We always finish picking on June 21, the longest day," said Mrs Tacon.

Eastern Daily Press: Charlie Tacon with asparagus grown at his family farm in Rollesby, near Great Yarmouth

"After that, it is all about letting the asparagus spears grown up into a fern which will soak up the sunshine and strengthen the root mass for next year."

The Tacons will host its Asaparagus Festival and Food Fair from 10am-3pm on May 21 will explain how the perennial crop is grown, picked and graded. 

It is also a chance to meet other farm shop suppliers and see local food stands and cookery demonstrations.