Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

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

(Best months for growing Asparagus in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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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22 Apr 17, Joy (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can you tell the difference between male and female asparagus, and what is the difference?
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28 Oct 18, Joe Legrand (USA - Zone 8a climate)
True Female have berries, but some new female do not have berries. Male are thumb size, most female are little finger or #2 pencil size like Mary Reed.
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23 Apr 17, Jack (USA - Zone 6b climate)
When the tops are allowed to develop into the feathery stage the female plants will have the berries which turn red when ripe.
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19 Apr 16, angela bradshaw (USA - Zone 10b climate)
is there any variety of asparagus that will grow in USA zone 10B?
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23 Feb 16, dave gasche (USA - Zone 5b climate)
betty, I THINK THIS IS A COMMON VARIETY. IT IS COMMONLY SOLD IN WICHITA KS AT WAL-MART,K MART HOME DEPOT LOWES. THEY HAVE BOTH SEED AND CROWNS--I THINK THE CROWNS COST ABOUT $4 FOR A BAG OF 8. SEEDS ARE MUCH CHEAPER BUT WILL REQUIRE AN EXTRA YEAR.
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01 Feb 16, Betty (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
Where can I purchase seeds or crowns for Martha Washington asparagus?
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04 Jun 13, Ann Rein (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Have them come up yet? I remember mine were slow the second season. They're on year six or so now and I've been harvesting for a month now.
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01 May 13, Sue (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Hi. Just wondering if my asparagus from last year shouldn't be up (visible) by now... It grew successfully last year from seed, (had 2 foot ferns) and even one or two edible stalks..(First year) Expected them to be great this season, but...I'm worried as there is no sign of them... Hope they didn't die... How can I check? I'm in zone 5. Nova Scotia. Its been a cold spring up until this week. Do you think they are dead?
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04 Jun 19, Lucy (USA - Zone 4a climate)
My asparagus came up a few weeks ago. I was told that you shouldn’t eat asparagus until the 3rd season. Then only cut off the ones that are thicker and cut it close to the ground.
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09 Oct 11, Ali Mofazali (USA - Zone 8b climate)
What is the best way to grow asparagus in Georgia USA?
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Showing 71 - 80 of 82 comments
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Dig up late winter - mid August, break into required pieces and plant into soil with plenty of compost in the soil, Mix in some Rooster Booster from Bunnings or something similar and water regularly - 2-3 times a week. You may not have a big harvest the first year or so, depends on the size of the crown you plant.

- Anonymous

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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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