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

21 Jul 14, gary stirrup (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I live on the west coast near cape town , mediterranean climate - would this be good for asparagus winter rainfall , some people are growing ferns for export nearby,Where could I find crowns for sale
08 Apr 14, Koos de Klerk (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I obtain Crowns/roots from.
06 Jan 14, Tanisha (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I planted my asparagus seeds in oct/nov last year in a tuna tin with a clingwrap cover, creating a greenhouse almost. I have now planted them outdoors in planters, and they have shot up. I do think growing from seeds take a while, however, I'm quite content to wait. It seems like its quite a rewarding plant to wait for :)
25 Dec 13, Basheer (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I bought my plant from Jungle Garden Nursery, Durban.
10 Nov 13, j power (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy crowns in KZN
11 Oct 13, Petro (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Were can I buy asparagus roots or crowns in Gauteng or Pretoria or even in Bela-Bela (warmbath)
07 Oct 13, Craig Smith (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
looking for crowns as root stock , where can I get.. looking for a source of plant material, Tnx , Craig
24 Sep 13, peter dick (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
were do you buy roots or crowns in gauteng
23 Aug 13, Ingrid (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy Asparagus crowns in JHB?
28 Jul 13, ronnie mynhardt (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
jes i would like to plant a few in my garden on a small holding close to zeerust in north west.Need a few seed --Thanks Ronnie
Showing 81 - 90 of 101 comments

The transplanted ones will depend on how they were treated last year - whether they were left to build up energy reserves for this year. If you had plenty of spears grow into ferns then they should produce this year. Probably also depends how old the old crowns are. Last year while I was growing mine from 12 mth crowns to 24 mths I use to put about half a cup of fert in 9 L of water and feed them each month - only had 3 crowns. I also put manure/compost on in august. I have crowns that are coming up to 3 years old - that is from when seeds were planted - they have been shooting spears for a few weeks now - I have cut them back and manured and watered them. My seedlings which will be 12 mths old in Sept - I have not cut them back yet or put manure on them yet - will probably do that in about two weeks time. I have not watered them for the last month - they are not growing at the moment. As for manure - chicken is the richest in N followed by cow and then horse manure. I read the other day horse is about 1.75% N. Whatever manure you can get and add some fert if you like. We have had only one week of cool weather so far this winter - that is night temps down to 6-8 degrees.

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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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