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

16 May 19, Martha Brink (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi, I got Asparagus crowns from Hart Nursery in Ottery. I'm going to be planting them in Kalbaskraal. Hope that they will grow there, clay soil
30 Oct 18, Joe Legrand (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I have read that a new female asparagus plant is sterile & has not seed/berries. I however can not remember if it was on the net or in a magazine. So I have no proof, if I find it again I should post it.
11 Oct 18, Robert Koch (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
In north central Indiana, USA, I usually trim them back after the first frost, and add mulch through the winter. Is there anything else I can do to enhance my crop next year? Bob Koch
12 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have been growing for 3 years and done a bit of research. I don't have frosts. August is the end of winter here. Temps start rising from 6-10 to 12-15 by end Sept at night. Days go from 20-25 to 24-28. I cut mine 1st week of Aug and apply compost and horse manure. The manure is new but I'm going to try and decompose it before hand next year. I also apply some fertiliser once it starts to shoot spears. 3-4 teaspoons to 9l of water.
08 Sep 18, Sarah Hardin (USA - Zone 9b climate)
When do you cut the plants back ? They do not die in my garden. I need to know when to cut them down. Thanks. Sarah
28 Oct 18, Joe Legrand (USA - Zone 8a climate)
Here in South Carolina, my asparagus grow April-Oct. So you may need to let them store food for 6-7 months. Clemson Extension says let the ferns grow with out cutting/harvesting spears, in July cut the ferns back & harvest new spears. So I guess you could cut them back a week or two before you want to harvest the new spears. I, however have not tried this .
29 Aug 18, Victor Makumire (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I get Asparagus seeds in South Africa ?
20 Sep 18, Parvesh (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I got mine from Livingseeds. You can order from their website.
28 Aug 18, JENNIFER KELLY (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I buy my asparagus crowns from Green Harvest who are located in Queensland and sell their products, seeds and edible plants by mail order or if you live near them you can buy in person. They are an organic plant seller.
16 Aug 18, Sofoa (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I planted an asparagus plant last year (2017) in July. Cut back the ferns in August this year (2018) and topped with compost. There are a few spears that have come through now. What should I do with them? Should I cut them back or just leave them? Thanks
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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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