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 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 40 cm 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
  • Asparagus growing
  • Baby Asparagus Seedlings (approx 6cm/3in) ((c) Liz Hutchinson)

Plant crowns (roots) 20 - 40 cm apart and a few cm (1 inch) deep in well manured soil. The asparagus shoots grow in spring. Harvest the shoots which are bigger than 1 - 2 cm/half-inch in diameter. Leave the rest to grow into the leafy ferns (1.5 m/5 - 6 ft tall) which will feed the crowns to give a crop next year. In autumn the ferns will be covered in bright red poisonous berries.

Leave the ferns to die down in autumn, then trim off the dead stalks and pile on plenty of rotted manure/compost to give the roots plenty of food to produce new stems in spring.

Harvest by cutting off the stalk, close to the ground. From the third year you can get an additional crop by letting the first lot of ferns grow, then bending down the stalks to break them. A second crop of shoots will grow and can be harvested. Leave subsequent shoots to grow on to ferns. Asparagus does not like continuously wet and warm soil. It grows better where there is a cool or frosty season.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Asparagus

Steaming is traditional, then coating with melted butter or hollandaise sauce.
Alternatively break in short lengths, and cook quickly in hot oil in a wok and sprinkle with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

NOTE: The asparagus berries are poisonous. Only the young shoots are edible.

Your comments and tips

04 Dec 24, Julie (USA - Zone 10a climate)
When is the best time to plant seeds in Zone 10a? Florida
26 Nov 24, Vanessa Haines (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I planted asparagus seeds when my asparagus had seeds. They are now 8 inches tall, in a seeding tray outside, starting to yellow. Wondering if I dare plant them in a raised bed with full sun. The soils is fairly sandy. In the spring I had planted celery and one artichoke that has fully died off during the summer heat in metropolitan phoenix az area. Thank you for the advice ahead of time. My other option is maybe in the garage or patio with a grow light and heat lamp?
02 Dec 24, (USA - Zone 5b climate)
If yellowing, maybe give some fertiliser. Sandy soils dry quick so water more often. They grow a lot better in the ground but you need to look after them really well.
23 Nov 24, Annette van Vuuren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I live in Pretoria and have a hundred or so asparagus seeds from a previous season. You're welcome to contact me if you're interested.
18 Oct 24, Pam (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How many seasons can I get from my asparagus plant
28 Oct 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
20-30 years - plant 4-8 crowns
15 Aug 24, Colin (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted Mary Washington 6yrs ago (from Bunnings). Is a female plant. Producing thin stalks. Where in Australia can I buy a male asparagus plant. As far as I know, males are used for commercial crops. So far, even nurserymen can't help. Anyone?
03 Sep 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Bunnings sell asparagus this time of the year. I'm no expert but I don't think you can tell until the have grown for a year or so.
25 Aug 24, MIke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try Bunnings - they usually sell this time of the year. Buy 3-6 crowns. One plant won't supply enough spears.
05 Aug 24, Bill (USA - Zone 9b climate)
What is the best asparagus variety to plant in a raised bed? I live about 1.5 miles from the ocean in ZZrroyo Grande, CA.
Showing 1 - 10 of 578 comments

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