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

13 Oct 12, Peter Fordyce (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What is the minimum temperature that asparagus is able to survive? It is grown in places like Bethlehem, Ficksburg and Gumtree where heavy frosts are common. Am considering planting in Nieu Bethesda where snow is regular. Thank you Peter Fordyce
20 Sep 12, Marie casey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
would i be able to grow asparagus in the sandy region about 50ks from frazer island .would i need to build up the soil or would that sandy soil suit.
11 Sep 12, David (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just trimmed my ferny Aspagus which I now see is probably too early. There didnt seem to be anything but ferny growth. When does the crop grow? Will my crop grow although I seem to have trimmed too early. Thanks for your help
02 Sep 12, alice cooper (Australia - temperate climate)
where does asparagus like to grow best full sun ,part sun and do they need to be protected from frost.
22 Jun 12, barbara (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I actually live in Uruguay, S.America which has a temperate climate much like the south east US but not as cold. I planted some asparagus seeds last year into earth boxes and would like to know if I should plant them in their permanent bed this spring or wait another year. The ferns are beginning to turn brown and I've left them to nourish the roots. Any advice would be appreciated.
15 Apr 12, Johnny Meinert (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi, am living on a smallhold close to Swakopmund in Namibia.Plot owners plant successfully green asp on rather salty soil.I would like to try white asp on 1/4 ha land.Soil is soft and fine. We never have frost and have to water since we have no rainfall. Preferable thick stemms since i would like to market already peeled stems.Please advise type of young plants and where to buy against what costs. Regards, Johnny.
09 Dec 23, Mikel Streppel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Johnny, are you Johnny Meinert, giude of Springbok Tours? If Not, delete it.
22 Jul 12, Gail Broekman (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am also wanting to grow about half a hectare of asparagus and would like to know whether you managed to find any plants and where from? Regards
08 Apr 12, Kate McCarthy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi guys After many attempts, we now have success with growing asparagus. In answer to previous question(s) I believe you can harvest many many spears from each plant, so they are well worth growing. My question to others is: I have read English literature that told of a practice of heaping salt on the plants after the fronds appear. I would not want to add salt to our saline landscape but wonder why this would benefit asparagus? Also is Autumn the time to add high nitrogen (organic & mostly home made) fertilisers? Lastly, I bought seeds & 2 year crowns on line. Gotta love that company! Thanks Kate
02 Oct 12, Rob (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hold off on fertilising during autumn especially with nitrogen and other soluble types. Fertilising is best done just before the plants enter their rapid growth phase, this is not only true for asparagus but for all plants although if your crop is flowers, fertilising during their rapid growth phase is also beneficial.
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