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

10 Oct 20, Ginger (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I just received 6 asparagus roots, with 4” growth on top. Can I plant them in my enclosed garden area or should I keep them near a window, indoors? It is still warm to hot, in my zone 9 area, of Southern California.
12 Oct 20, (USA - Zone 9a climate)
I assume you mean 6 crowns, a bulb with roots coming from it, looks like a spider. Plant them out but pay attention to watering.
08 Nov 20, Jean (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I live in Nipomo ca 9 b why can’t s as I grow asparagus from crowns?
09 Nov 20, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Sounds like you live in arid desert country. If so it might not grow in those conditions. If you have better conditions than desert you could try. Google about growing it.
14 Nov 20, cheri (USA - Zone 7b climate)
How much sun do asparagus plants need? I live in zone 7.
16 Nov 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can handle full sun but will grow in situation where sun in morning and shade in arvo. Google and read up about it.
07 Nov 21, Pam (USA - Zone 10a climate)
I have purple asparagus, about a 7 year old bed. I read to only harvest spears that are larger than a pencil, but if I do that the smaller ones turn into "bushes" and hide the larger spears. Is this the correct way to harvest and grow? Question 2: I read to only harvest them for a certain number of weeks and then when they start getting pencil thin, to stop harvesting. but this seems like such a short harvest season, and the plants still want to produce. It is as if my asparagus bed is bushy more than it is in the productive mode. Is this correct? Can I continue to harvest longer? Question 3: Can I plant the poisonous red balls and they will grow into new plants? I thought my old plants would reproduce, but my bed seems to be about the same annually. I just don't feel like a confident grower, and the sources I read don't seem to provide information specific enough for my needs. thank you
10 Nov 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Asparagus needs two things.1. It needs some ferns left at the end of growing season to feed and build the nutrient storage in the crown for the next season. 2. They also need fertiliser in the growing season. Here is what I do. I cut the ferns off end of winter, give a good watering, a good fertilising, then 6
18 Feb 22, Vee (USA - Zone 10a climate)
What varieties can I grow in zone 10a? Jupiter, Florida
24 Nov 21, pete Basabe (USA - Zone 12b climate)
Hi, Something is eating my asparagus below the soil line. The new shoots are being hallowed out like small caverns below the soil line. This quickly weakens the shoot and then it dries up and dies. The only insects I can find are small (1/4 in) round black beetle like insects that live in the dirt around the new stalks. The full grown stalks do not seem to be affected by these little guys. Any ideas? Thanks, Pete
Showing 31 - 40 of 78 comments

Hi Mike... I'm in zone 9b, as well. I'm wondering if you decided to plant asparagus.... and if you did, how did it work out for you? I just bought crowns and hope to plant this week. I have a spot that is cooler than most of my property. Wish me luck!

- Bobbie Green

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.