Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

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

(Best months for growing Asparagus in Australia - tropical regions)

  • 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

01 Oct 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Here are my suggestions. 1 Pick a spot that has sun all day. 2 Dig a bed that is about 4' x 4' or 1.2m x 1.2m for 4 plants or 1.2m x 1.8m for 6 plants, 2.4m x 1.2m for 8 plants - I would recommend 6-8 plants, about 300mm deep. 3 Put a border (sleepers) around it, either 200mm or 400mm high (2 sleepers). Garden sleepers (hardwood) where I live are 2.4m long x 200mm high x 50mm thick ($20). Fill it up with soil/composted manure/compost and dig it over a couple of times. Buy some rooster booster fertiliser from bunnings and apply about a 2l ice cream container to the soil and mix in. Go on the internet and google how to plant and grow and harvest it. 1st year pick a few of the thicker spears, 2nd year a few more and then 3rd yr you can pick all. In future years a tip, stop or cut back watering end of April, cut all the ferns off end of August, apply a 2l container of rooster booster and 6
07 Oct 20, Mai (Australia - temperate climate)
wow info! Thanks a lot!
03 Sep 20, Michael Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
a bit hard to stop watering in Perth at this time I might knock it down at the end of summer and try to pick a few late spears then
04 Sep 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Cut back the watering from end of May. If you keep watering and have a warmish winter it keeps growing. The idea is for the plant to put a lot of energy etc back into the crown (from the ferns) mid summer to Autumn. That is what allows the plant to send up spears during Spring. This time of the year you should have the ferns cut off, put 100-150 (?) of compost on top and applied some fertiliser and be watering heaps. At the moment I'm picking 12-15 spears each third day from 4 crowns.
17 Aug 20, Michael Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
I purchased some purple asparagus seedlings 1 year ago (Aug 19) Perth WA Planted them out Dec 19. 1 large female bush is still growing spears up to 15mm thick in July 20 and shows no signs of weakening. I have resisted the temptation to eat the spears, but with spring approaching I am wondering if I should prune it or just leave it to the ravages of climate change. Needless to say I am collecting the berries. Michael
19 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
A suggestion, stop watering asparagus at the end of May, let the ferns die off. Then around now to early September, cut all the ferns off at ground level. Scatter some fertiliser on the top of the soil and put 150mm of compost/manures etc on top of that. Start water again.
29 Jul 20, Terri (Australia - temperate climate)
We live on the Edge of the Great Swamp, near Koo Wee Rup in Victoria, where most of Australia's asparagus is grown. The plants are in full sun constantly, and in peaty soil which is constantly wet. You should be fine.
30 Jul 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you live near a bigger town/city see if the company Nutrien Ag Solutions has a depot near you or call the Bundaberg depot. Ring them up and discuss it with them. Ask to talk to their agronomist. If you live near them take the leaves in to them. They are very helpful.
25 Jul 20, Leanne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi all! I have just received my asparagus crowns. I’m concerned now that the bed I’ve chosen won’t be right for them. It gets full afternoon sun in summer and can get quite hot with no shade? Advice would be greatly appreciated :)
27 Jul 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My plants are in full sun most of the day 6am to 6pm in summer, Bundaberg Qld. We had a lot of hot weather the last summer, had no problems. Give them a good watering each week if no rain in summer.
Showing 61 - 70 of 331 comments

Dig up late winter - mid August, break into required pieces and plant into soil with plenty of compost in the soil, Mix in some Rooster Booster from Bunnings or something similar and water regularly - 2-3 times a week. You may not have a big harvest the first year or so, depends on the size of the crown you plant.

- Anonymous

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