Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
T                   T T
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Asparagus in South Africa - Semi-arid regions)

  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Plant crowns
  • Easy to grow. Plant as crowns. Best planted at soil temperatures between 61°F and 86°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 - 16 inches 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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21 Jul 14, gary stirrup (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I live on the west coast near cape town , mediterranean climate - would this be good for asparagus winter rainfall , some people are growing ferns for export nearby,Where could I find crowns for sale
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25 Jul 14, boerbill (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
In the ceres karoo with annual rainfall fo 150mm p.a. pleanty osf salty water available any tips for me and also where can i get crowns.?
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01 Oct 14, aadila (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hi i just bought asparagus plants from my nursery. they are about a meter high with about 3 or 4 ferns.the helpers there did not know how old the plants are. when do u suppose i can start harvesting? when do u suggest i start harvesting because i heard u should leave them for 2-3 years.
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02 Oct 14, Eric (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi where in Durban did you buy your plants i have been looking everywhere?
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04 Oct 14, kathy (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
My plant is one year old. Growing well but lots of ferns. Should i cut them down and how far and cut all ferns down? Or just leave it. About half metre tall.
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05 Oct 14, Frans (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Kathy. Yes you should trim is to about 10 cm. The focus for the first 16 months should be root oriantated. Cutting it down will fors the roots to work and grow better as more nutrients are available for just that. Give a good dose of bone meal (beenmeel) after such a trimming. Hope you find this helpfull.
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28 Oct 14, gail gous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi I would like to buy some asapargus plants in the Stilbaai Area, where can I find a nursery or is it possible to buy online? Regards Gail
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30 Oct 14, JAYCEE (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
is the Ashton area in the Boland right to grow asparagus?
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12 Nov 14, dawn hudson (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Crowns for johannesburg area. Names of nurseries wHo sell. Have only got results of 5 seedlings from 3 packets of seeds. Also can water occasionally with salty water?
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19 Jan 15, DDS (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Where can I get asparagus plants from a nursery in the Boland/Cape Town area?
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Can you tell the difference between male and female asparagus, and what is the difference?

- Joy

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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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