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 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 Jul 17, Michael (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Is asparagus perennial or annual
06 Jul 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Asparagus is perennial and will bear for around 20 years.
22 Apr 17, Joy (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can you tell the difference between male and female asparagus, and what is the difference?
28 Oct 18, Joe Legrand (USA - Zone 8a climate)
True Female have berries, but some new female do not have berries. Male are thumb size, most female are little finger or #2 pencil size like Mary Reed.
23 Apr 17, Jack (USA - Zone 6b climate)
When the tops are allowed to develop into the feathery stage the female plants will have the berries which turn red when ripe.
19 Apr 16, angela bradshaw (USA - Zone 10b climate)
is there any variety of asparagus that will grow in USA zone 10B?
23 Feb 16, dave gasche (USA - Zone 5b climate)
betty, I THINK THIS IS A COMMON VARIETY. IT IS COMMONLY SOLD IN WICHITA KS AT WAL-MART,K MART HOME DEPOT LOWES. THEY HAVE BOTH SEED AND CROWNS--I THINK THE CROWNS COST ABOUT $4 FOR A BAG OF 8. SEEDS ARE MUCH CHEAPER BUT WILL REQUIRE AN EXTRA YEAR.
01 Feb 16, Betty (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
Where can I purchase seeds or crowns for Martha Washington asparagus?
04 Jun 13, Ann Rein (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Have them come up yet? I remember mine were slow the second season. They're on year six or so now and I've been harvesting for a month now.
01 May 13, Sue (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Hi. Just wondering if my asparagus from last year shouldn't be up (visible) by now... It grew successfully last year from seed, (had 2 foot ferns) and even one or two edible stalks..(First year) Expected them to be great this season, but...I'm worried as there is no sign of them... Hope they didn't die... How can I check? I'm in zone 5. Nova Scotia. Its been a cold spring up until this week. Do you think they are dead?
Showing 71 - 80 of 84 comments

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

- pete Basabe

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.