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

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30 Apr 18, Phillip (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
If possible purchase 2 yr. old "Crowns". These are asparagus plants (roots). There are a number ideas for how to plant them - just visit Youtube or Google for step-by-step pictures along with description of soil mixture and fertilization. Then wait another year before harvesting. Honestly I have never grown from seed. But in either case you are looking at a couple of years before you will have a decent crop.
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02 Mar 18, Mack Rogan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get asparagus crowns to plant ?
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12 Oct 18, Marieta (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I bought my asparagus plante from Peter's Gate, Midlands Meander near Howick
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28 May 18, Paul Naude (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Any luck Mack?
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22 Feb 18, Theunis (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can i get plant material
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27 Feb 18, Sheena (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
https://livingseeds.co.za/vegetable-seeds/asparagus
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08 Feb 18, Dizzy (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
First time growing asparagus, I'm situated in Malawi, Lilongwe. I found this article infomative as I'd no idea the berries were poisonous, I actually thought they were seed pods as they haven't turned red yet ! Any advice on growing in this part of the world would be a great help, thank you.
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26 Sep 17, Ross McLaren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hi there what is the best possible way to grow asparagus in KZN. Tunnel, with raised beds? What Fert do I need, how many times do I water them? Want to start a small bunch to see if it will work :)
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19 Mar 17, Tony Bartlett (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I grow asparagus down in the cape, near Hermanus. Also where down in that area can I purchase crowns. many thanks
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20 Mar 17, Ken (Australia - temperate climate)
Asparagus is a very hardy plant and you should have no difficulty growing it. Try googling 'Asparagus crowns in South Africa" and you will find a number of suppliers. Asparagus crowns are often available from nurseries, garden centres, hardware stores and online during the winter.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 101 comments
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Sorry you're having this problem Pete. Here in Florida, we have something called pocket gophers. They burrow underground, leaving occasional piles of dirt at the surface. They feed off of the roots of vegetables. I am berrying fencing all around the perimeter, 1 foot deep, to prevent them getting in to my asparagus. It should stop the bunnies too! Don't know if this help but I wish you luck in solving this.

- Nancy Spencer

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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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