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 - Dry summer sub-tropical regions)

  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

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21 Dec 16, Pam Neasham (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy asparagus crowns.. My late husband grew such large crops we used to give them away. I have down-sized since his death leaving my plants behind and would now like to grow some again.
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24 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
In Australia asparagus crowns are normally available from nurseries in the winter months as bare-rooted crowns. berry plants, rhubarb and fruit trees are available at the same time. It is not difficult to grow from seed, you will just have to wait another season before you can harvest the spears. Trust this helps.
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17 Dec 16, Mike Hattingh (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can you please assist me with a list of suppliers from whom I can source asparagus crowns?
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24 Dec 16, John (Australia - temperate climate)
In Australia asparagus crowns are normally available from nurseries in winter. Thet are sold 'bare rooted, ssometimes loose and sometimes in damp sawdust. Other plants that are sold the saame way include - strawberries bramble berries, currants and fruit trees such as apples, pears, peaches, apricots and plums. You could also grow them from seed but would have to wait another seaaon before harvesting those delicious spers. Trust this helps.
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26 Oct 16, Tsotetsi Peter (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
How many times you aply pesticide before harvesting?
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17 Oct 16, Eugene J Martens (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can asparagus be planted on raised rows - once growing do the stems require mounding I have planted from seed & had a 65% germination rate - I live 20km from Nelspruit on the Lydenburg road about 120 meters in altitude higher
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10 Oct 16, Elizabeth (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy fresh white asparugus
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06 Oct 16, Margery Vosloo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in or near Groblersdal can I buy asparagus plants ? It is quite hot here so do I plant them in the shade?
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09 Jun 16, Andrea Meintjes (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I purchase asparagus plants in the Pretoria area
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22 May 16, gail gous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to buy a few asparagus plants. Could you tell me where i can buy some. Regards Gail
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Showing 41 - 50 of 101 comments
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I have only grown it for 4 years. During the summer/autumn asparagus grows ferns and puts nutrient and energy back into the crown to be able to produce new shoots next spring. In winter the ferns dry off etc. I don't hand water mine from May onwards. In late August I trim off the ferns and apply a mulch/compost and water. New shoots appear in a week or so depending how cold it is. I think you have jumped the gun by about 3 mths. Eat the spears and cut back the watering.

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