Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              

(Best months for growing Asparagus in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Easy to grow. Plant as crowns. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 16 inches apart
  • Harvest in 2-3 years. Plant 'crowns' to harvest earlier .
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Parsley, Basil, Nasturtiums, Lettuce
  • Avoid growing close to: Garlic, Onions, and root vegetables

Your comments and tips

25 Oct 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 7b climate)
It suggests to plant Nov Dec. Start them in pots or trays. They are very fine little seedlings and need close attention with watering. Some sun, some shade during the day until they are a few inches high.
22 Sep 22, Atang Tlopo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want to know if I can get two years old Asparagus crowns.
26 Sep 22, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Probably not - if so probably expensive. In Australia a 9 mth crown is about $10 - a 2 yr old probably $30 and you would need 3-6.
27 Aug 22, LYNETTE J HOULIHAN (Australia - tropical climate)
I bought and planted 4 (2 green, 2 purple) Bunnings asparagus seedlings in a very large trough/planter. I have very healthy looking plants (look like dill) about 45 cms high. Do I Just leave these or is there something I should do. Thanks.
02 Sep 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just water and fertilise them. Will take 3 years before you start to produce a reasonable crop. Read up about growing them.
02 Sep 22, Veronica (Australia - temperate climate)
Leave them to grow. You can stake them if you prefer. Once they die off, trim off the dead bits. Definitely mark where they are, as they will probably disappear. Do not harvest for at least 2 years.
07 Sep 22, LYNETTE J HOULIHAN (Australia - arid climate)
Thanks.
08 Aug 22, Sheila (USA - Zone 6b climate)
One 6b - Bought crowns in late spring and they were misplaced.until now August. They are not dried out and I'd like to salvage whatever is possible. If I plant them now ANDif they grow, the season will be over and cold by October. Should I refrigerate the crowns and maybe wait til spring to plant or go ahead and put them out now? Also, would it be of benefit to use innoculant to stimulate them, individually pot them indoors under grow lights and gently transplant to an outside bed in spring? What makes sense?
25 Jul 22, Maura (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Thank you. I will wait until spring next year, even if fronds are browning. I have picked and eaten the emerging early spears. And I have covered the plot with heavy shade mesh on a frame, to avert any frost damage. This is the first time in 5 years that the spears have come up in July!
11 Jul 22, Maura (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Have just cut down old fronds. Noticed a few new asparagus spears coming up. It is still winter, and as we get frosts here in Ballarat, should I cover the crowns with some mesh do that they don’t get burned, or just accept the loss until spring flush?
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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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