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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16 Jun 20, Deidre Girdler (Australia - temperate climate)
Have just purchased 4 crowns of asparagus They have very long roots Should I trim before planting?
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19 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
Trim back to about 200mm long. Read up how to plant them and don't plant until August..
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25 May 20, Liz Timperley (New Zealand - temperate climate)
In Northland when is the best time to plant and where can you get the crowns from please?
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27 May 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Go to New Zealand subtropical asparagus and the info is there when to plant. Bunnings generally have them in August to plant. Or internet seed selling website.
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19 May 20, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
I bedded my 4 year old crowns down for winter, ie, cut back fronds, fed, remulched - and now I have at least 2 new spears per head. Should I just let them go to frond and cut back in mid June ..... or can I harvest and eat them (preferred option of course .... but a healthy plant is a better one ). Thanks for any advice. Helen.
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21 May 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have only grown it for 4 years. During the summer/autumn asparagus grows ferns and puts nutrient and energy back into the crown to be able to produce new shoots next spring. In winter the ferns dry off etc. I don't hand water mine from May onwards. In late August I trim off the ferns and apply a mulch/compost and water. New shoots appear in a week or so depending how cold it is. I think you have jumped the gun by about 3 mths. Eat the spears and cut back the watering.
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05 May 20, Leo (New Zealand - temperate climate)
The property we rent has 1 asparagus plant. Can I split it up and grow more?
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06 May 20, M (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Yes you can. Type in
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08 May 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Go to google and type in can you split asparagus crowns and replant.
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23 Apr 20, Wendy De Vries (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you grow asparagus in a bathtub and how many plants could you fit in? Many 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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