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

25 Jul 14, boerbill (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
In the ceres karoo with annual rainfall fo 150mm p.a. pleanty osf salty water available any tips for me and also where can i get crowns.?
21 Jul 14, gary stirrup (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I live on the west coast near cape town , mediterranean climate - would this be good for asparagus winter rainfall , some people are growing ferns for export nearby,Where could I find crowns for sale
28 May 14, KIM TAYLOR (Australia - temperate climate)
i have planned my asparagus and it is 3 years old i have the ferns i have pick 1 spear today for the first time i have never cut the ferns off am i suppose to i think i need some help please. I have a big veggie garden and want to grow more.
31 May 14, Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Kim, you need to cut to old ferny growth every year once it starts to die off.
21 May 14, Helen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I cut the ferny tops off my 2 year old crowns a few weeks ago and covered with lucerne hay. The weather has been so warm that they are sending up spears again. Should I cut these off or let them grow up to further feed the crowns. Am hoping for first good crop this spring.
31 May 14, Stewart (Australia - temperate climate)
The weather sure is warm Helen. I'd be inclined to cut your spars off and have some late season asparagus. With winter just around the corner the spears are unlikely to develops any further.
18 May 14, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
I have had my asparagus crowns in for more than 2 years but they are only forming thin shoots. How can I encourage thicker shoots to grow?
31 May 14, (Australia - temperate climate)
Thin stems usually means the plants need feeding. Cover them with manure and compost over winter and come spring fertilise with some pelletised chicken manure. A good mulch of straw will help also.
13 Apr 14, Stephen Lenehan (Australia - temperate climate)
I have plenty of asparagus ferns and I have read items bout cutting back when they die of in autumn. They are still all green can I cut them back or should i wait till they die back????????????
08 Apr 14, Koos de Klerk (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I obtain Crowns/roots from.
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