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

18 Nov 16, Chris (Australia - temperate climate)
Keep going Lynne but make sure you have some spears going to seed for next year, let 6 or so go and then take any that come up after that.
18 Nov 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Normally you stop harvesting asparagus spears to allow tops to grow to regenerate the crowns for next season. if your soil is well built up with manure you could probably sneak a few more but don't jeopardise next seaasons crop.
05 Oct 16, Carmela (Australia - arid climate)
Which is correct, that male asparagus spears are fatter than female ones or the other way about? Thank you.
03 Jul 16, carly (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Ruth, If you are still looking at asparagus crowns, The Diggers Club in Dromana has them. We were there last weekend and they had 3 varieties of crowns- Fat Bastard, Purple and Mary Washington. They do post also. Carly
14 May 16, Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
I was given some asparagus ferns by our neighbour some months ago and want to plant them in the garden. They are about 8 inches tall. Can i plant them now? What are the soil requirements?
14 Apr 16, ruth brillantes (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in Melbourne and I want plant asparagus. Where can I buy seedlings or crowns and when is the best time/ month to plant. Thanks, Ruth
09 Sep 16, sandra (Australia - temperate climate)
The reject shop and aldi have crowns atm.
19 Aug 16, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant August - Oct. Probably later in the cooler climates. For soil I used 1/3 good loam/ red soil - 1/3 composted grass clippings and 1/3 horse manure. A couple of good handfuls of general garden fertilizer every 6 weeks until Feb. I have three plants in a box 5' x 2'. My crowns grew from 1 1/2" to approx. 10" in the first year. They started shooting new stalks a week ago. Weather has been quite warm 23-25c.
05 Aug 16, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I bought some at Bunnings - cost about $8-9 each
13 May 16, Gaz (Australia - arid climate)
I bought some from 'Bunnings' June last year, hoping to do the same again this year if they have it...cheers.
Showing 211 - 220 of 338 comments

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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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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