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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03 Jan 14, Julie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Anne, We are also in cool/mountain Victoria. Our plants are about 6 years old. We bought about a dozen plants. Two plants will not provide very much to eat. I suggest you buy some more plants this winter. Our asparagus bed is about 5 metres by 1 metre. The plants will produce berries in summer and these will produce seedlings but this is a slow process of multiplication.
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25 Aug 13, Lyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Melbourne, Aust. (August) Bought asparaugus crowns at my local nursery this weekend. $5.99 each.
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25 Aug 13, Norm (Australia - temperate climate)
Will female asparagus plants produce quality spears? Is it possible to distinguish femaie and male crowns?
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26 Jul 13, Jessica (Australia - temperate climate)
Do asparagus do well if I was to start them as a seedling in a greenhouse?
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26 Aug 13, Norm (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes Jessica, asparagus grow well from seedling even when not in a greenhouse. It does take much longer to produce edible spears this way . Using crowns, at least 3 years old, would be quicker but more expensive.
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12 Jul 13, Amanda (Australia - temperate climate)
I am moving house and, having carefully nurtured my asparagus seedlings through to maturity, want to take my crowns with me. Any tips on digging up, transporting and replanting? Do I have to wait 2 years before harvesting again?
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05 Jul 13, Rupert (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted several crowns last season and let them grow into ferns. It is now July, and many of the ferns have not died down yet, but more questionable is the fact that several of the plants have sprouted new spears. Is this normal? Is it a sign of a mild winter? Should I just be letting these spears grow into ferns - they are a healthy size, big enough to harvest...
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20 Jul 13, Russell (Australia - temperate climate)
I understand Rupert, my asparagus is the same. It hasn't realised it is winter. I ate a spear; it was crispy but lacked flavour.
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23 Jan 13, Susan (USA - Zone 12b climate)
I actually live in Costa Rica, but it's not on your list. I'm at 1000 meters, distinct dry season Jan thru May, no rain at all with temps around 28-30 degrees. I need to move my 3-4 yr old crowns - can I do it anytime or would it be best to let them dry out a little to aid dormancy then move them once the rains start end of May. THANKS FOR THE HELP!
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23 Nov 12, Delia (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm still confused about planting out: I've dug the trenches and planted the seedlings ( each having a feathery top and miniature spears) but do I now mound the well composted soil over the top of same or do I wait until they have grown some? If the latter, for how long? I'm not trying for the blanched (or white asparagus) .. just the green. Many thanks!
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Showing 261 - 270 of 338 comments
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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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