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

02 Dec 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Delia, I am a first time grower of A, have bought crowns this year, and seedling last year. And also planted seeds this year too. I guess you would treat it like any seedling, cover the roots up towhere the green freathery top starts, and leave any mini spears out in the air too. I read that one should not harvest any spears for at least a year from crowns or 2 years from seeds, so let any spars that you may have go and change into the fern this year. I believe it has something to do with strength going into the crown for next year, then you can cut some but not all..... good luck, I think A is something of a future investment, for patient people..... Jen Tasmania
07 Dec 12, Delia (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you Jen: your suggestions are most welcome and these suggestions are exactly what I did. I have a half dozen tiny spears popping through and, while not wishing my life away, I can barely wait the two years required. I also understand that a lightly wooded Chardonnay is the perfect wine match with asparagus. Thanks for sharing, Delia
03 Mar 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Delia, sorry not to have responded sooner, forgot to check.... looks like we both are looking forward to our first home grown crop of Asparagus next year and your suggestion about the wooded Chardonnay is also a very good tip. Happy gardening now that it may get a little cooler, at least here in Tasmania. Jen
21 Nov 12, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there, I have purchased and planted out 5 A crowns, but only 4 have produced A shoots, one has not produced anything? Any ideas? Jen
22 Oct 12, Suzannah (Australia - temperate climate)
Should I cut off the tough ferny growth which is coming up now along with thick spears, or dig up those plants? Will they ever have good spears?
20 Sep 12, Marie casey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
would i be able to grow asparagus in the sandy region about 50ks from frazer island .would i need to build up the soil or would that sandy soil suit.
11 Sep 12, David (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just trimmed my ferny Aspagus which I now see is probably too early. There didnt seem to be anything but ferny growth. When does the crop grow? Will my crop grow although I seem to have trimmed too early. Thanks for your help
02 Sep 12, alice cooper (Australia - temperate climate)
where does asparagus like to grow best full sun ,part sun and do they need to be protected from frost.
22 Jun 12, barbara (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I actually live in Uruguay, S.America which has a temperate climate much like the south east US but not as cold. I planted some asparagus seeds last year into earth boxes and would like to know if I should plant them in their permanent bed this spring or wait another year. The ferns are beginning to turn brown and I've left them to nourish the roots. Any advice would be appreciated.
08 Apr 12, Kate McCarthy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi guys After many attempts, we now have success with growing asparagus. In answer to previous question(s) I believe you can harvest many many spears from each plant, so they are well worth growing. My question to others is: I have read English literature that told of a practice of heaping salt on the plants after the fronds appear. I would not want to add salt to our saline landscape but wonder why this would benefit asparagus? Also is Autumn the time to add high nitrogen (organic & mostly home made) fertilisers? Lastly, I bought seeds & 2 year crowns on line. Gotta love that company! Thanks Kate
Showing 271 - 280 of 338 comments

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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