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

09 Nov 16, Lauren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have 3 Asparagus plants, one of which is growing exceptionally well. I can't seem to find any information as to what to do if I've missed harvesting the shoots. Do I cut down all the ferns to increase shooting of new spears on each plant until the yield is done? Or do I just keep looking out for new shoots to harvest. They were planted last year as a 2 year old plant (grown in a pot in a greenhouse). Any guidance and information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
17 Oct 16, Eugene J Martens (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Thanks for the information Ivan How did you multiply your plants Do you have to mound the stems of your asparagus once the grow, my plants (6 months old) are growing tall & some fern like leaves are falling over, is this OK Thank you for sharing
14 Apr 16, ruth brillantes (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I live in Melbourne and I want plant asparagus. Where can I buy seedlings or crowns and when is the best time/ month to plant. Thanks, Ruth
09 Sep 16, sandra (Australia - temperate climate)
The reject shop and aldi have crowns atm.
19 Aug 16, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant August - Oct. Probably later in the cooler climates. For soil I used 1/3 good loam/ red soil - 1/3 composted grass clippings and 1/3 horse manure. A couple of good handfuls of general garden fertilizer every 6 weeks until Feb. I have three plants in a box 5' x 2'. My crowns grew from 1 1/2" to approx. 10" in the first year. They started shooting new stalks a week ago. Weather has been quite warm 23-25c.
05 Aug 16, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I bought some at Bunnings - cost about $8-9 each
13 May 16, Gaz (Australia - arid climate)
I bought some from 'Bunnings' June last year, hoping to do the same again this year if they have it...cheers.
23 Feb 16, Sav (Australia - temperate climate)
Bought a punnet of Asparagus ferns a year ago and transplanted them in the ground but did not space them enough. They are still a few inches tall. When is the best time time to dig them out to re-plant? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
01 Mar 16, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Live in Sydney, like you bought a punnet and transfered to a larger pot for few months. Transfered them in mid autumn with lots of manure. They have been madly throwing ferns, once ferns die down, will re=manure and top dress with cow poo dressing as well. Hope this helps.
23 Feb 16, dave gasche (USA - Zone 5b climate)
betty, I THINK THIS IS A COMMON VARIETY. IT IS COMMONLY SOLD IN WICHITA KS AT WAL-MART,K MART HOME DEPOT LOWES. THEY HAVE BOTH SEED AND CROWNS--I THINK THE CROWNS COST ABOUT $4 FOR A BAG OF 8. SEEDS ARE MUCH CHEAPER BUT WILL REQUIRE AN EXTRA YEAR.
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