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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20 Sep 18, Parvesh (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I got mine from Livingseeds. You can order from their website.
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28 Aug 18, JENNIFER KELLY (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I buy my asparagus crowns from Green Harvest who are located in Queensland and sell their products, seeds and edible plants by mail order or if you live near them you can buy in person. They are an organic plant seller.
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16 Aug 18, Sofoa (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I planted an asparagus plant last year (2017) in July. Cut back the ferns in August this year (2018) and topped with compost. There are a few spears that have come through now. What should I do with them? Should I cut them back or just leave them? Thanks
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19 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read up on the internet.
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18 Aug 18, Daniel (Australia - temperate climate)
I’m in Melbourne outer east, I have 6 asparagus plants from one and two years old. Only one of the newer plants has spears coming up from about 2 weeks ago. At this stage I’m leaving them to get stronger.
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20 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
From seed to a crown 1.5 to 2
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22 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - arid climate)
I will try again. Plant seed - one year old - a crown 1.5 - 2 inches. Two years old a few spears - pick a few thicker than a pencil - leave the one thinner than a pencil. Three years old you have a reasonable crop.
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09 Aug 18, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy asparagus crowns. I live in Gauteng, Benoni.
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08 Aug 18, June Dunn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My asparagus is now two years old and already shooting. Should I crop and eat or leave alone and also should I put manure and compost on now before spring. Thanks
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10 Aug 18, (Australia - tropical climate)
They say at 2 y o leave the ones thinner than a pencil - pick the bigger ones. Put the compost manure on now. Lay off the watering from end of May early June to allow the ferns to dry back a bit. Then in August cut the ferns and put the compost on and start watering Sept.
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Showing 281 - 290 of 585 comments
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In cooler climates asparagus normally yellows and dies back in the winter as you say. in the spring if the spears are left they will grow on to form the big ferny tops that we are familiar with. The plant uses these tops along with manure or compost to regenerate the roots in readiness for next springs crop. You could try bending these over so they are bruised and nearly broken off to force the plant into dormancy. If you cut them off the plant may just send up some more spindly spears.

- John

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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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