Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

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

(Best months for growing Asparagus in Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • 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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26 Mar 24, Rod Ferguson (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I live in Midland, 50 miles north of our largest harvesting area Allison. Asparagus is my favourite vegetable but Ontario seems to have a season of only a month or so. How does asparagus from Mexico or Peru be available year round? If asparagus was planted in northern Ontario—such as in the agricultural belt near New Liskeard—would our harvesting time be correspondingly extended?
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29 Mar 24, Jim Bell (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I was planning on planting asparagus between my grape vines which are new and will be I’m hoping on wires 4 ft above ground. Would the ferns be too high to grow without shading out the grapes?
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09 Apr 24, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I would suggest you don't. Asparagus need their own area to grow in "full sunlight". They will be there for 20+ years and they spread a bit as the crown grows. You pick the new asparagus shoots (they need full sun then) for about 10-12 weeks and then let the ferns grow (they reach about 4').
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I trimmed my asparagus bushes about three weeks ago andI put about 2-3" of compost on them. Ten days ago I put 2-3" of horse manure and another 2" of compost on. In the last week I have had approx. 20 spears from 3 plants.

- Mike

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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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