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

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18 Mar 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Full sun probably in temperate zone.
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16 Nov 18, Henry (Australia - temperate climate)
How close is too close in companion planting ? Thanks
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20 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sorry I had that wrong. I was thinking non compatible plants. Companion planting would be fairly close taking into consideration what area both plant varieties need to produce a decent crop. Like if you were growing beans you would grow marigolds (I don't know if they are companion plants) about 500-600mm away. You don't want one crop over growing the other crop. Generally people plant things too close together - me included.
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18 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
2-3 meters.
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11 Oct 18, Robert Koch (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
In north central Indiana, USA, I usually trim them back after the first frost, and add mulch through the winter. Is there anything else I can do to enhance my crop next year? Bob Koch
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12 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have been growing for 3 years and done a bit of research. I don't have frosts. August is the end of winter here. Temps start rising from 6-10 to 12-15 by end Sept at night. Days go from 20-25 to 24-28. I cut mine 1st week of Aug and apply compost and horse manure. The manure is new but I'm going to try and decompose it before hand next year. I also apply some fertiliser once it starts to shoot spears. 3-4 teaspoons to 9l of water.
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28 Aug 18, JENNIFER KELLY (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I buy my asparagus crowns from Green Harvest who are located in Queensland and sell their products, seeds and edible plants by mail order or if you live near them you can buy in person. They are an organic plant seller.
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16 Aug 18, Sofoa (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I planted an asparagus plant last year (2017) in July. Cut back the ferns in August this year (2018) and topped with compost. There are a few spears that have come through now. What should I do with them? Should I cut them back or just leave them? Thanks
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19 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read up on the internet.
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18 Aug 18, Daniel (Australia - temperate climate)
I’m in Melbourne outer east, I have 6 asparagus plants from one and two years old. Only one of the newer plants has spears coming up from about 2 weeks ago. At this stage I’m leaving them to get stronger.
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Showing 131 - 140 of 338 comments
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I'm no expert - I have been growing them for 3 yrs. The new spears shoot in early Spring. So do not trim them now. I made the mistake of cutting them in late July last year and I had a very poor crop. My advise is to water them until the end of this month and then no watering. Let the plant die off. Then in late August cut the dead stalks off and put on the composted manure or just some good compost.

- Mike

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