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 Jan 21, Bobbie Green (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Hi Mike... I'm in zone 9b, as well. I'm wondering if you decided to plant asparagus.... and if you did, how did it work out for you? I just bought crowns and hope to plant this week. I have a spot that is cooler than most of my property. Wish me luck!
06 Mar 21, Evan (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I put crowns in last summer and cut the canes down in the late fall. I now have first asparagus in March. Should I let them grow and not pick them?. No frost here. 1200 feet up and maybe 4 miles from the ocean in California. Fog at night in May-July but sun during the day. Warm to hot fall.
18 Jun 19, Florence (Australia - arid climate)
We planted our asparagus in summer and although it is winter now, the ferns are still green. There wasn't any berries in autumn, Do we have to cut off the ferns or just leave them to die out?
24 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Don't water them from now until late August and then cut them.
05 Jun 19, (Australia - tropical climate)
Thanks Mike. My crowns are at least 5 years old but the spears are not all that thick. I'm just out of Mackay so I dont think I have been giving them enough attention.
07 Jun 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Good draining soil. Cut old ferns off, early to mid August. Apply some compost 4-6
26 May 19, Kaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have asparagus plants in garden with shade cloth will this be enough sun They grew well last summer but only the first year
03 Jun 19, Kathryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
HI Kaye, I would think they need at least, good morning sun. I have mine in a bed that faces North so they get a decent amount of sun. But are shaded from summer late afternoon sun as here we get over 40 degrees in summer. What density is the shade cloth, 50/70/90?
25 Apr 19, Sean0 Wilson (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
When do I cut down my asparagus ferns to prepare the bed for winter? At the moment – still quite lush and green. I’m from Chch.
06 May 19, Green thumb (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Cut the ferns in late August and put compost or composted manure on it. Stop watering them now.
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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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