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 Australia - temperate regions)

  • P = Plant crowns

August: frost tender

  • 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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19 Jul 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i live sub tropical. A natural tendency to cut some thing is for it to grow, so don't cut until Spring. I have some spears shooting throughout the year, even now. You cut the new spears off when they are 200-250mm long and eat them. What -3C does I don't know but you should know by now.
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05 Jun 22, Norelle Evans (Australia - tropical climate)
Hello, I’m from QLD Townsville and enquiring where I can source good green stock Asparagus from? and approx costing. Thanking you for your time and help Regards, Norelle Evans
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15 Jun 22, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
The Seed Collection have them at a very reasonable price.
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06 Jun 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
If you have a Bunnings store contact them about when they might have them and cost. Usually August and about $10+ per crown. Or try internet seed selling companies.
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03 Jun 22, Mary Grace Dizon (Australia - tropical climate)
What is the best seed variety for tropical climate that’s hardy and disease tolerant?
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06 Jun 22, (Australia - tropical climate)
You are better growing from crowns. Read other posting about buying crowns from Bunnings. If you want seeds go on the internet to Boondie Seeds and look at their varieties.
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13 May 22, WayneReal (Australia - tropical climate)
When are Fat Bastard Asparagus crowns available? What size and price please Postage to 4703 Thanks Wayne
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29 Apr 22, james gray (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted green and purple asparagus about 2 years ago in a raised bed, 2 hours south of Perth in Lowden.. All the plants fronds are massive now, maybe 500mm high, falling over and hanging out of the bed itself, still very green and very healthy. I am wondering when do I trim the fronds off back to ground level and then fertilise with chook manure, etc, and mulch again?
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18 Apr 22, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I’m on the Sunshine Coast Qld. It’s autumn now so do I cut back my asparagus plant now. It’s starting to die off but still sending spears up. Thanks
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21 Apr 22, (Australia - temperate climate)
Leave until late August to cut back, then fertilise, compost and water. Stop watering in the next month.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 338 comments
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In cooler climates asparagus normally yellows and dies back in the winter as you say. in the spring if the spears are left they will grow on to form the big ferny tops that we are familiar with. The plant uses these tops along with manure or compost to regenerate the roots in readiness for next springs crop. You could try bending these over so they are bruised and nearly broken off to force the plant into dormancy. If you cut them off the plant may just send up some more spindly spears.

- John

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