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

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26 May 19, Kaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have asparagus plants in garden with shade cloth will this be enough sun They grew well last summer but only the first year
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03 Jun 19, Kathryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
HI Kaye, I would think they need at least, good morning sun. I have mine in a bed that faces North so they get a decent amount of sun. But are shaded from summer late afternoon sun as here we get over 40 degrees in summer. What density is the shade cloth, 50/70/90?
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16 Apr 19, John (Australia - temperate climate)
When we planted crowns about 4 years ago, most seemed to be male. But each year, more and more of the plants started bearing the red berries, indicating female. This year, they are almost ALL carrying red berries. Any thoughts?
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06 Jun 19, Chris Dawson (Australia - temperate climate)
John why are you saying that most appeared male? Did they produce male flowers with stamens? Or are you basing your assumption on the lack of berries in autumn? Regardless, female plants produce berries, males don't produce berries, very few asparagus plants are hermaphrodites so the ones with berries are female. Perhaps they were all female, more likely you allowed seed to fall, it sprouted and produced more female plants.
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15 Apr 19, Lynne Harriman (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
hi do you recommend pulling out the flowering female aspauagus plants as i've read they do not produce sprouts well. thanks
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06 Jun 19, Chris Dawson (Australia - temperate climate)
No, that is a myth. Peer reviewed studies show that female asparagus produce longer, fatter spears that are better than male plants. Males may produce more spears, but they are thinner, shorter and not as good.
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05 Apr 19, Maria (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When is the best time to sow Asparagus seeds please? Information here instructions crowns with season. Thank you
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25 Mar 19, Sally (Australia - temperate climate)
My asparagus plants were planted as crowns last winter and have flourished as great big ferny bushes all summer. I'm a bit puzzled as to why they are still pushing up big fat shoots in early autumn! I don't want to cut them because they are less than a year old, but shouldn't they be going to sleep by now?
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22 Apr 19, Robyn Vaughan (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When I lived at the Mid North coast of NSW my asparagus didn't die down until May/Jun, when it became quite cold. Leave it be as these fronds are putting energy into the base and to cut them will only produce more new shoots and sap energy that will be otherwise be stored and used to sprout them next season. I know how frustrating first year asparagus crowns can be! Be sure to mulch well after they die down to protect the crowns.
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15 Mar 19, Loulou (Australia - temperate climate)
What’s a good position for them in terms of sun? I’m in Melbourne.
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Showing 121 - 130 of 338 comments
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Evelyn I haven't tried the fat bastard variety but I have Mary Washington in at present. Grew these plants from seed and it has taken 5 years for my first really good crop although I could have picked after 3 years I didn't and the wait has been worthwhile.. The secret is to use plenty of manure- I have found sheep and cow manure is great and I dig in a few bags in early winter so it rots down well before spring. Also plenty of water in summer so the crowns don't get dry.

- warren

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