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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11 Jan 24, James Bushdid (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Growing instruction in zone 9B, Ormond Beach, Florida.
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21 Jan 24, James Bushdid (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Trying to grow from seed Mary Washington Asparagus any help you can give an old retired man. Thank you. (Area, EAST COAST OF FLORIDA, ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA.
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14 Jan 24, (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Google how to grow it.
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02 Jan 24, Claire (USA - Zone 9b climate)
We have asparagus in raised beds in zone 9b and they are doing great going into our third year Give it a go what is there to lose ?
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16 May 23, Marsha Kincaid (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Want to start my asparagus bed this Fall. When is best time? Are there different instructions than for Spring planting?
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12 May 23, don jinks (USA - Zone 4a climate)
starting a new garden at new house what month should I plant the asparagus in zone 4 since Ive missed the spring planting?
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13 May 23, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
It says plant now. Try crowns if you can get them.
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01 May 23, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I’m in East Tennessee. Do I plant in sun or shade? I’m originally from Iowa and it would grown wild at the base of trees.
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08 May 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Full sun.
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18 Jan 23, Ericka Wojcik (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Any one have succes growing in 9b?
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Showing 21 - 30 of 92 comments
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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.

- jane

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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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