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Growing Asparagus

(Aspargus officianalis)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
		S		T

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

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings.

Easy to grow. Sow in garden, or plant as crowns. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. 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 - Recommended soil pH 6.5 - 7.5.
Compatible with: Parsley, Basil, Nasturtiums, Lettuce
Avoid growing with: Garlic, Onions

Seedlings (approx 6cm/3in)

Seeds will take 2-3 years before maturing into crowns. Plant crowns (roots) 20-40cm apart and a few cm (1 inch) deep in well manured soil. The asparagus shoots grow in spring. Harvest the shoots which are bigger than 1-2cm/half-inch in diameter. Leave the rest to grow into the leafy ferns (1.5m/5-6ft tall) which will feed the crowns to give a crop next year. In autumn the ferns will be covered in bright red poisonous berries. Leave the ferns to die down in autumn, then trim off the dead stalks and pile on plenty of rotted manure/compost to give the roots plenty of food to produce new stems in spring.

Harvest by cutting off the stalk, close to the ground. From the second or third year you can get an additional crop by letting the first lot of ferns grow, then bending down the stalks to break them. A second crop of shoots will grow and can be harvested. Leave subsequent shoots to grow on to ferns.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Asparagus

Steaming is traditional, then coating with melted butter or hollandaise sauce.
Alternatively break in short lengths, and cook quickly in hot oil in a wok and sprinkle with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

NOTE: The asparagus berries are poisonous. Only the young shoots are edible.

Your comments and tips

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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09 Apr 13, mohamed (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): I want buy it but where can I get it
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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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06 Jan 13, gideon hugo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): I am a keen garderdener for a hobby. We live in Vereeniging and need to find out where to by asparagus roots
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16 Dec 12, Eion Purdon (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): I have quite a high content of clay in my soil, even though I add a bit of Lime,and drainage 150mm under the clay and compost mixed, Will the asparagus enjoy this type of Soil? Also how can one determine the ph of ones soil?
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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Post a question, comment or tip about Asparagus

Replying to:

What pest would not only nibble through the delicate seedling Asparagus frond but eat every bit of green? On checking this morning there is NO sign of any frond left and there is no soil disturbance on the surface of the big pot? I am still speaechless... Any ideas outhere and what do I do now, wait and hope for more fronds to grow OR compost the lot??? and yes should you be wondering I am the same gardener who submitted the previous question and mistakenly clicked on NZ but this is the correct location, I am in Tasmania..\

- Jen

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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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