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

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16 Apr 19, John (Australia - temperate climate)
When we planted crowns about 4 years ago, most seemed to be male. But each year, more and more of the plants started bearing the red berries, indicating female. This year, they are almost ALL carrying red berries. Any thoughts?
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06 Jun 19, Chris Dawson (Australia - temperate climate)
John why are you saying that most appeared male? Did they produce male flowers with stamens? Or are you basing your assumption on the lack of berries in autumn? Regardless, female plants produce berries, males don't produce berries, very few asparagus plants are hermaphrodites so the ones with berries are female. Perhaps they were all female, more likely you allowed seed to fall, it sprouted and produced more female plants.
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15 Apr 19, Lynne Harriman (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
hi do you recommend pulling out the flowering female aspauagus plants as i've read they do not produce sprouts well. thanks
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06 Jun 19, Chris Dawson (Australia - temperate climate)
No, that is a myth. Peer reviewed studies show that female asparagus produce longer, fatter spears that are better than male plants. Males may produce more spears, but they are thinner, shorter and not as good.
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05 Apr 19, Maria (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When is the best time to sow Asparagus seeds please? Information here instructions crowns with season. Thank you
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25 Mar 19, Sally (Australia - temperate climate)
My asparagus plants were planted as crowns last winter and have flourished as great big ferny bushes all summer. I'm a bit puzzled as to why they are still pushing up big fat shoots in early autumn! I don't want to cut them because they are less than a year old, but shouldn't they be going to sleep by now?
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22 Apr 19, Robyn Vaughan (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When I lived at the Mid North coast of NSW my asparagus didn't die down until May/Jun, when it became quite cold. Leave it be as these fronds are putting energy into the base and to cut them will only produce more new shoots and sap energy that will be otherwise be stored and used to sprout them next season. I know how frustrating first year asparagus crowns can be! Be sure to mulch well after they die down to protect the crowns.
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15 Mar 19, Loulou (Australia - temperate climate)
What’s a good position for them in terms of sun? I’m in Melbourne.
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18 Mar 19, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Full sun probably in temperate zone.
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20 Feb 19, Jeanette Cobb (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Have dug up a dozen thriving Asparagus plants. Needed to move out of existing bed. Shall the dirt around roots be washed off or left undisturbed? Old heirloom type so need to save successfully. Only a few Spring shoots emerging right now. Thank for your help. Zone B
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Showing 251 - 260 of 585 comments
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the fern IS the asparagus - you just have to harvest it when it's a small, young shoot, before the fern bit develops. But unless you planted mature crowns, best not to harvest for first 2-3 years; let ferns grow to allow a solid, healthy root system to develop first. NB do NOT eat the red berries (which will only appear on female plants) - they are poisonous. Both male and female produce shoots, but some believe the male plants last a bit longer and produce more. As both last 15-20 years, it's not something I'd worry about.

- jane

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