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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
23 Feb 16, Sav (Australia - temperate climate)
Bought a punnet of Asparagus ferns a year ago and transplanted them in the ground but did not space them enough. They are still a few inches tall. When is the best time time to dig them out to re-plant? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Mar 16, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Live in Sydney, like you bought a punnet and transfered to a larger pot for few months. Transfered them in mid autumn with lots of manure. They have been madly throwing ferns, once ferns die down, will re=manure and top dress with cow poo dressing as well. Hope this helps.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Nov 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have 2 year old crowns of asparagus which were planted in late August, my question is how long is the harvest season in the Berkley Vale area. And how do you know when the last spears arrive. As I need them as a fern. I would hate to cut them off. I am new at this I need advise. We have 30 crowns.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Nov 15, noni (Australia - temperate climate)
when growing white asparagus, how are the beds watered and when. When finished are the plastic covers removed to allow the plants to recouparate and then re covered when ready to pick once more.
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Oct 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
I have lots of fern and no asparagus after a couple of years. Is there a chance it's the wrong sex? How do I tell if I will get fruit here in a sub-tropical garden?
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Jul 16, jane (Australia - temperate climate)
the fern IS the asparagus - you just have to harvest it when it's a small, young shoot, before the fern bit develops. But unless you planted mature crowns, best not to harvest for first 2-3 years; let ferns grow to allow a solid, healthy root system to develop first. NB do NOT eat the red berries (which will only appear on female plants) - they are poisonous. Both male and female produce shoots, but some believe the male plants last a bit longer and produce more. As both last 15-20 years, it's not something I'd worry about.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Oct 15, gwyneth (Australia - temperate climate)
my asparagus has been in for 3 years. this year I am getting plenty but they are pencil thin. should I feed them.
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Oct 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, add manure to the bed when the weather warms up at the beginning of spring each year.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Aug 15, John butler (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy commercial quantity of seed in west Australia please
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Mar 15, Pauline leister (Australia - temperate climate)
I have to leave my rental place, but my asparagus are still in full, green fern. Can I dig them up to take with me?. I don't want to leave them, nor do I want to kill them by digging them up. I only have a week before leaving. Please help. Thankyou.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 221 - 230 of 338 comments
See comments for all plants

Here are my suggestions. 1 Pick a spot that has sun all day. 2 Dig a bed that is about 4' x 4' or 1.2m x 1.2m for 4 plants or 1.2m x 1.8m for 6 plants, 2.4m x 1.2m for 8 plants - I would recommend 6-8 plants, about 300mm deep. 3 Put a border (sleepers) around it, either 200mm or 400mm high (2 sleepers). Garden sleepers (hardwood) where I live are 2.4m long x 200mm high x 50mm thick ($20). Fill it up with soil/composted manure/compost and dig it over a couple of times. Buy some rooster booster fertiliser from bunnings and apply about a 2l ice cream container to the soil and mix in. Go on the internet and google how to plant and grow and harvest it. 1st year pick a few of the thicker spears, 2nd year a few more and then 3rd yr you can pick all. In future years a tip, stop or cut back watering end of April, cut all the ferns off end of August, apply a 2l container of rooster booster and 6

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.