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

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
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.
02 Oct 14, Victor Jeva (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Can I grow cucumber In the same bed with asparagus? Many thanks for your feedback......
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
31 Aug 14, lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can my friend in Melbourne buy some asparagus crowns? Thanks! Lisa
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Showing 231 - 240 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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