Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

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

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

  • P = Plant crowns

August: frost tender

  • 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 Australia | for all countries
07 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
As an adult you could tell them NOT TO EAT THEM.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 May 18, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
I am wanting to relocate some Asparagus plants when is the best time please
Reply or Post a new comment
04 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I want to relocate 3 of mine. I have read they don't like it and you might miss a season's crop. Also if a few years old they may be quite large as in 450-700mm deep. Best time would be in mid winter probably.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Apr 18, Tony (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all, our asparagus ferns are still green.We're in Gisborne Vic.Should we wait till they turn completely brown or can we trim them off now.Will it make any difference to the crowns if cut them now while they're still green .Thanks Tony
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Apr 18, Julie Fielder (Australia - temperate climate)
Where in Perth can I buy seedlings or plants to grow Asparagus please?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try the internet, ask around at nurseries or Bunnings.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Crowns/plants don't usually become available until mid/late winter.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Feb 18, Sandy (Australia - temperate climate)
Just bought a property with what was told is asparagras. seems to be all fern its Febuary. From what i hv read in previous posts you let the fern dye down & fertilize but when does it come back to harvest ?
Reply or Post a new comment
22 Feb 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Cut it back late winter and put compost/manure on it. Spears will start coming out in Sept. Pick spears until Nov and then let it go to fern again to let the plant build up for the following season.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 151 - 160 of 338 comments
See comments for all plants

In cooler climates asparagus normally yellows and dies back in the winter as you say. in the spring if the spears are left they will grow on to form the big ferny tops that we are familiar with. The plant uses these tops along with manure or compost to regenerate the roots in readiness for next springs crop. You could try bending these over so they are bruised and nearly broken off to force the plant into dormancy. If you cut them off the plant may just send up some more spindly spears.

- John

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.