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 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

18 Feb 22, Vee (USA - Zone 10a climate)
What varieties can I grow in zone 10a? Jupiter, Florida
10 Nov 21, Anonymous (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Asparagus needs two things.1. It needs some ferns left at the end of growing season to feed and build the nutrient storage in the crown for the next season. 2. They also need fertiliser in the growing season. Here is what I do. I cut the ferns off end of winter, give a good watering, a good fertilising, then 6
19 Oct 21, Kimberley (Australia - temperate climate)
My first attempts at growing asparagus were from seedlings. Very slow growth and few spears. Then I put in Mary Washington crowns 2yrs old. The first year I harvested a handful of spears. This is the second year- I’ve had continuous harvest since a early spring. As suggested, I’ve let a few ferns grow so that the crowns can develop and will increase my feeding so I get more spears next year. I have boy and girl crowns. Do you recommend an all purpose fertiliser at this time ?
20 Oct 21, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Asparagus takes about 4 years to be in good production. I assume when buying crowns they are 12 mths old (probably less). This is what I do sub tropical - mid August I cut the old ferns off, give the patch a good watering, then apply a generous amount of NPK of about 12-4-14, give a watering and then put 6 (??)
04 Sep 21, bill (New Zealand - temperate climate)
we have a asparagus plant that appeared in a place in our garden where we had not grown any last year produced 1 or 2 very thin spears that went to fern this year there is one normal size spear just coming up should we class this as 1st or 2nd year
05 Aug 22, Anthony (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The birds will eat the red berries on the female asparagus and they flick the seeds all over the place .. also could be you moved some soil from around the asparagus and moved it to another part of the garden .. not knowing seedlings was in the soil .. ive done this many of times . Oddly enough, you can transplant those new shoots (and roots) in another location .. give them away .. or just destroy them. i would class the new asparagus as first year despite the size of it .. mine normally take 2 -3 years before they are really a harvestable size . They will live to 15 years
07 Sep 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
If it germinated approx 1 year ago it would be 1 year old. You need to really look after this plant with compost/manures/fertiliser and regular watering. You won't produce a decent crop until the 4th year. Also I suggest you have 3-6 plants if you want a decent amount of spears each couple of days.
03 Sep 21, Peter Wise (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you please tell me how to look after asparagus after growing it from seed since November 2020. How and when to fertilise. Live in melbourne thanks in advance
12 Sep 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
And from seed
07 Sep 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You generally plant the crowns/plants now early spring. Grow in full sun. Dig a hole 2-3 times the size of the pot they are in now, mix a little fertilise in the soil in the bottom of the hole, plant the asparagus and water well. If it is still coldish in Melbourne wait until next month. Water 2-3 times a week depending on how hot/cold it is and whether your soil is light or heavy. Mix some compost or manures into your soil if heavy. In the future - cut the ferns off in late winter, give a good watering, then give a good fertilising and put about 4-6
Showing 101 - 110 of 572 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Asparagus

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.