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

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26 Jan 15, bruce wheeler (Australia - temperate climate)
I PUT IN SOME ASPARAGUS SEED ABOUT END OF DEC THE FERNS ARE ABOUT 3IN HIGH CAN I PLANT THEM IN THE GARDEN OR SHOULD I LEAVE THEM TILL WINTER
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27 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Bought a punnet of purple asparagus "ferns" from Bunnings garden centre. About dozen ferns in punnet. Would appreciate some tips on how deep to plant and should I cover every few weeks with soil? Intending to grow in a raised bed measuring 90cm x 90cm x 40cm.
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02 Oct 14, Victor Jeva (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Can I grow cucumber In the same bed with asparagus? Many thanks for your feedback......
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30 Sep 14, ray johnson (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted Some packaged root stock 6" deep in August. I now have a 2" spear showing through. For the first year should i just let them grow and the die back in winter? Should i move my leeks to another bed. I am planning on using this bed for more rhubarb and more asparagus if this first batch survives. regs ray
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31 Aug 14, lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can my friend in Melbourne buy some asparagus crowns? Thanks! Lisa
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06 Sep 14, stapo (Australia - temperate climate)
type "the plant shop" into your search engine i orderd their 4 three year old crowns and there was 7 in the parcel i had by the weekend
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28 May 14, KIM TAYLOR (Australia - temperate climate)
i have planned my asparagus and it is 3 years old i have the ferns i have pick 1 spear today for the first time i have never cut the ferns off am i suppose to i think i need some help please. I have a big veggie garden and want to grow more.
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31 May 14, Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Kim, you need to cut to old ferny growth every year once it starts to die off.
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21 May 14, Helen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I cut the ferny tops off my 2 year old crowns a few weeks ago and covered with lucerne hay. The weather has been so warm that they are sending up spears again. Should I cut these off or let them grow up to further feed the crowns. Am hoping for first good crop this spring.
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31 May 14, Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)
The weather sure is warm Helen. I'd be inclined to cut your spars off and have some late season asparagus. With winter just around the corner the spears are unlikely to develops any further.
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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

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