Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                      T
                P P P P

(Best months for growing Asparagus in South Africa - Summer rainfall regions)

  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Plant crowns
  • Easy to grow. Plant as crowns. Best planted at soil temperatures between 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 40 cm 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for South Africa | for all countries
25 Jun 13, Gerrit Botha (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I live in the Western Cape. Our area is excellent for fruit. Will asparagus do well here? Any suggestions ?
Reply or Post a new comment
24 May 13, tinashe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can l get asparagus plant
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Apr 13, mohamed (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I want buy it but where can I get it
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Jan 13, gideon hugo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am a keen garderdener for a hobby. We live in Vereeniging and need to find out where to by asparagus roots
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Dec 12, Eion Purdon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have quite a high content of clay in my soil, even though I add a bit of Lime,and drainage 150mm under the clay and compost mixed, Will the asparagus enjoy this type of Soil? Also how can one determine the ph of ones soil?
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Oct 12, Jannes Fritze (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i buy Asparagus crowns from?.
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Dec 12, JJ van Rensburg (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Jannes Most nurseries can order Asparagus plants in for you. Where in South Africa are you - maybe we can be of assistance at Garden World in Muldersdrift.
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Oct 12, Peter Fordyce (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What is the minimum temperature that asparagus is able to survive? It is grown in places like Bethlehem, Ficksburg and Gumtree where heavy frosts are common. Am considering planting in Nieu Bethesda where snow is regular. Thank you Peter Fordyce
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Apr 12, Johnny Meinert (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi, am living on a smallhold close to Swakopmund in Namibia.Plot owners plant successfully green asp on rather salty soil.I would like to try white asp on 1/4 ha land.Soil is soft and fine. We never have frost and have to water since we have no rainfall. Preferable thick stemms since i would like to market already peeled stems.Please advise type of young plants and where to buy against what costs. Regards, Johnny.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Dec 23, Mikel Streppel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Johnny, are you Johnny Meinert, giude of Springbok Tours? If Not, delete it.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 91 - 100 of 101 comments
See comments for all plants

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

- Pam

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.