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

03 Nov 17, (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I am new to planting Asparagus seeds harvested from my garden. I live in the USA in Northeast (Rhode Island) I had a bumper crop of Aspargus this year and have harvested all the red Seeds: When and how should I plant these seeds?
04 Jun 19, Lucy (USA - Zone 4a climate)
I planted Asparagus roots I’m in the 3rd season now and so far I have picked two batches. I tried seeds and they didn’t grow. You maybe able to buy the roots at a place where they sell plants. The roots are kept in a refrigerator.
19 Oct 17, Samantha (Australia - temperate climate)
We have just moved to a little old (ish) cottage in Maldon Victoria and to my delight have just discovered asparagus growing in the back yard. It is not in a "garden bed" as such, but obiously once was. Grass has grown as lawn all around it and spears are popping up left right and centre. How do I encourage and look after it at this late stage (mid October)?
19 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Lucky you!!! To an area about 1 & 1/2-2' around all the plants and between the plants give it a good watering. Next day pull all the weeds out. If you can, buy some horse or cow manure or compost and place about 3" thick over the top of it all. If the weeds are a real problem over the summer I would suggest during next winter when the asparagus ferns all die down, transplant the crowns into a nice prepared garden bed - then about August Sept each year put a 4-6" layer of aged manure or compost on them.
05 Oct 17, Jacquie (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, My partner and I have purchased a property in the Adelaide Hills and are keen to find out more about growing asparagus - not sure where to buy seeds etc can somebody point us in the right direction ? Thanks Jacquie
09 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Try Bunnings or some nurseries or look on the internet. Buy some crowns (9-12 mths old). Can start from seeds - will take a year longer though and it requires a lot of attention. I had up to 30 seedlings last year and only 6 survived.
08 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Planting asparagus from seed will take a lot longer before you get a crop, three years. Go to your local nursery and ask for asparagus crowns, which can then be planted out. This can still take up to 2 years to be productive.
26 Sep 17, Ross McLaren (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hi there what is the best possible way to grow asparagus in KZN. Tunnel, with raised beds? What Fert do I need, how many times do I water them? Want to start a small bunch to see if it will work :)
17 Aug 17, Ian D (Australia - temperate climate)
I have transplanted asparagus crowns that were well established approx 3 weeks ago. They are now sending up spears and we had our first feed from the new crop last night. Should I be letting the spears grow out instead?
18 Aug 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be able to eat them.
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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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