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

30 Jan 14, Chrystal (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in southern Tasmania and recently bought a couple of crowns, they have the delicate fern growth and I was wondering if I can separate (cut into sections) the crown before planting in the garden to have more plants.
28 Nov 13, Adriana (Australia - temperate climate)
I am in Perth Western Australia and would like to buy some crowns.Bunnings does not have them and the Nurseries only has seedlings which will take some years to harvest!! Could you please advise
17 Jan 15, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
I bought crowns at Aldi for $6 for 2xpkt. Also saw and bought more at The Reject Shop about july/August 2014. Am looking out for them again this year. Always browse at the above for odd and interesting bulbs.
10 May 14, Dulcetbrewer (Australia - temperate climate)
I haven't been able to find anyone selling crowns. Bunnings have seedlings at present -early May, but, like me, I think you will have to plant seeds or seedlings & wait it out.
05 May 14, Jo (Australia - temperate climate)
Adriana, bulbsonline.com.au has them in WA when in season, great, big healthy crowns way cheaper and bigger and better looking than the others I looked at, I planted loads last year. Still need to wait for a harvest with crowns though not as long as seeds or seedlings.
03 Jan 14, Julie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Adriana, Contact Tesselaars and/or Garden Express and ask to be put on their catalogue maailing list. Both usually sell crowns in winter by mail order.
02 Jan 14, Rem (Australia - temperate climate)
Try Wandilla Nursery. They usually have 3 year old crowns available.
17 Nov 13, Pauline Morgan (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When do I stop harvesting and let the ferns grow to feed my plants? I started harvesting in early October. Thanks Pauline
03 Jan 14, Julie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Pauline, it depends on how old your plants are. General rule is no harvest first two years, then take one or two the next year. After that I have been just playing it by ear. We are quite dry usually and when the spears slow I leave them alone. Sometimes if we get a big downpour the stems start again, you could take some more then.
31 Aug 13, Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
I have bought 2 asparagus to plant this year and would like to know how big my plot needs to be. How much crop will 1 plant yield? Anne, Vic
Showing 251 - 260 of 338 comments

Dig up late winter - mid August, break into required pieces and plant into soil with plenty of compost in the soil, Mix in some Rooster Booster from Bunnings or something similar and water regularly - 2-3 times a week. You may not have a big harvest the first year or so, depends on the size of the crown you plant.

- Anonymous

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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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