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

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01 Sep 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Google seed selling websites in NZ.
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22 Aug 20, Chris McGeough (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Heads are just coming up but are being eaten by something very small that is killing each head off or leaving scars. Put some chook manure on a couple of months ago and wonder if its bugs in that? Any help would be great.
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24 Aug 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It might be slugs or snails, try using something to kill or deter them.
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24 Aug 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Google it - bugs that eat asparagus. Probably have to go out at night to see them. Then look for a spray, organic or chemical. Maybe don't use chook manure, or compost it before putting it on. I don't put compost/manure on until mid-late August.
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17 Aug 20, Michael Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
I purchased some purple asparagus seedlings 1 year ago (Aug 19) Perth WA Planted them out Dec 19. 1 large female bush is still growing spears up to 15mm thick in July 20 and shows no signs of weakening. I have resisted the temptation to eat the spears, but with spring approaching I am wondering if I should prune it or just leave it to the ravages of climate change. Needless to say I am collecting the berries. Michael
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19 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
A suggestion, stop watering asparagus at the end of May, let the ferns die off. Then around now to early September, cut all the ferns off at ground level. Scatter some fertiliser on the top of the soil and put 150mm of compost/manures etc on top of that. Start water again.
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29 Jul 20, Terri (Australia - temperate climate)
We live on the Edge of the Great Swamp, near Koo Wee Rup in Victoria, where most of Australia's asparagus is grown. The plants are in full sun constantly, and in peaty soil which is constantly wet. You should be fine.
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30 Jul 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you live near a bigger town/city see if the company Nutrien Ag Solutions has a depot near you or call the Bundaberg depot. Ring them up and discuss it with them. Ask to talk to their agronomist. If you live near them take the leaves in to them. They are very helpful.
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27 Jul 20, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
my asparagus plant is on its 3rd season since being transplanted...this winter the ferns appear to have died. there's 3ferns left and I've supported them. What I'm asking is it looks dead...any advice??
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22 Mar 21, Simone (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The ferns do die, asparagus will send shoots up in warmer weather aka springtime, it's like strawberries, dies down over winter but roots are still alive and come back in springtime :-)
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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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