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 USA - Zone 7b regions)

  • 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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26 Apr 16, Kobus (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy asparagus crowns in Pretoria erea?
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19 Apr 16, Sara raw (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get asparagus to plant in kwa Zulu natal. Hillcrest area
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17 Apr 16, willem pretorius (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please could you tell me if asparagus will grow in the harrismith area with it's extremely cold winters. Thanks.
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14 Sep 16, Ivan van der Merwe (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Sir, firstly I live in Memel 98km East from Harry Smith and my asparagus does very well. I feel if you speak to the owner of the nursery next to the Spar he might be able to assist with plants. I have some 40 plants in my garden, all started from 4 plants. Enjoy your rewarding plants. They love the cold weather. And also seed well once they establish themselves. DO NOT BE IN A HURRY. Plant them away from the traffic even as an unusual garden separator. Do remember the bush can grow up to 1Meter high and some what wide. When it dies down leave it standing to almost the end of winter then cut them off and use for your compost. Enjoy the new venture. You are welcome to contact me.
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09 Nov 16, Lauren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have 3 Asparagus plants, one of which is growing exceptionally well. I can't seem to find any information as to what to do if I've missed harvesting the shoots. Do I cut down all the ferns to increase shooting of new spears on each plant until the yield is done? Or do I just keep looking out for new shoots to harvest. They were planted last year as a 2 year old plant (grown in a pot in a greenhouse). Any guidance and information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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17 Oct 16, Eugene J Martens (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Thanks for the information Ivan How did you multiply your plants Do you have to mound the stems of your asparagus once the grow, my plants (6 months old) are growing tall & some fern like leaves are falling over, is this OK Thank you for sharing
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06 Feb 16, douglas khazamula (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I stay in soweto,so;i would like to kwow if i can grpw asparagus and where i may find it
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26 Dec 15, Simon Chauke (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am living at Tzaneen and I would like to know if is the place to start growing asparagus for commercial us. Can asparagus be grown in tunnel. Where can I get seeds for asparagus
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09 Nov 15, Janeen Russell (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
For all heirloom seeds, including asparagus, contact Livingseeds Search "How to grow asparagus" . I have 12 little plants and a deep tube for them but not sure what soil to use.
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08 Nov 15, Roz (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I would like to buy 'baby' asparagus plants. I live between Durban and Pietermaritzburg but I'm sure I could arrange with a courier to bring to me from anywhere in SA. Thanks.
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Showing 51 - 60 of 101 comments
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The transplanted ones will depend on how they were treated last year - whether they were left to build up energy reserves for this year. If you had plenty of spears grow into ferns then they should produce this year. Probably also depends how old the old crowns are. Last year while I was growing mine from 12 mth crowns to 24 mths I use to put about half a cup of fert in 9 L of water and feed them each month - only had 3 crowns. I also put manure/compost on in august. I have crowns that are coming up to 3 years old - that is from when seeds were planted - they have been shooting spears for a few weeks now - I have cut them back and manured and watered them. My seedlings which will be 12 mths old in Sept - I have not cut them back yet or put manure on them yet - will probably do that in about two weeks time. I have not watered them for the last month - they are not growing at the moment. As for manure - chicken is the richest in N followed by cow and then horse manure. I read the other day horse is about 1.75% N. Whatever manure you can get and add some fert if you like. We have had only one week of cool weather so far this winter - that is night temps down to 6-8 degrees.

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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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