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

23 Nov 11, Lucien Lowe (Australia - temperate climate)
I have eight Asparagus plants in the corners of my 3metre x 1.5metre vege garden beds. I bought them as seedlings from Bunnings and they have been growing well for the last twelve months or so and still doing well. I have harvested lots of spears so far, but now I am thinking of transplanting my plants all into one bed. Can I cut the plant into two and plant them without destroying the plant? At the moment they are well ferned up and look quite healthy and strong. Also is it too late to do this now coming into December? Thanks, Lucien.
20 Oct 11, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What pest would not only nibble through the delicate seedling Asparagus frond but eat every bit of green? On checking this morning there is NO sign of any frond left and there is no soil disturbance on the surface of the big pot? I am still speaechless... Any ideas outhere and what do I do now, wait and hope for more fronds to grow OR compost the lot??? and yes should you be wondering I am the same gardener who submitted the previous question and mistakenly clicked on NZ but this is the correct location, I am in Tasmania..\
23 Oct 11, Rowena (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Perhaps cutworm? They do eat the entire plant if it's tender enough :O) I got the following advice from the Yates website and it worked for me: Cutworms are only active at night, so go out after dark with a torch and check for caterpillars at work.Prevent cutworm attack by placing small, open-ended plastic cups around plants or by wrapping plant bases with aluminium foil. (Start just below the surface of the soil).
16 Oct 11, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
For the fist time I recently purchased some seedlings of Asparagus, planted them into deep 420 cm HDPE pot and now read that they take 3 years before harvest? If this is true what is the quantity of one seedling at havest time?? One spear of Asparagus Or more??? And does it really take 3 years from seedling stage with 3 fronds? And what happens with the soil in a pot, all Ican do is top it up with say cow manure or similar suitalbe manure / compost mixes? Any help is appreciated as this is my first time growin Asparagus Thank you Jen (Tas)
24 Oct 11, JOSEPH (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Please check the info on this and other sites as there is so much to learn about asparagus. These plants are the ultimate gross feeders, they love fertiliser and water It will last up to 25 to 30 years if looked after properly. I believe that you only harvest the spears from the male plant and the female one's produce berries. Please contact me if you any more queries. I am in Burnie. Joe
08 Oct 11, trudy (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I can attest to the compatability between pasley and asparagus. The parsley growing in and around the Asparagus beds - Asparagus is 3 years onle and the pasley self seeding after 2 years - is the healthiest and strongest of the parsely plantings that I have. (tas)
03 Sep 11, lainie (Australia - temperate climate)
what is the depth for a asparagus if you are using a pot
30 Jul 11, ARTHUR (Australia - temperate climate)
13 Jul John thanks for the info I have now received a cat.. garden express. The spears are showing all ready and plenty of them.Thanks again Arthur
30 Jun 11, ARTHUR (Australia - temperate climate)
I iive in Kingsley Perth.Can any one help me? I like to buy one asparagus crown. Ive try all places local with out success. ARTHUR
13 Jul 11, john (Australia - temperate climate)
Garden Express Monbulk Vic www.gardenexpress.com
Showing 281 - 290 of 336 comments

The start of spring.

- 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.