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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15 Jul 16, jane (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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18 Oct 15, gwyneth (Australia - temperate climate)
my asparagus has been in for 3 years. this year I am getting plenty but they are pencil thin. should I feed them.
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24 Oct 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Yes, add manure to the bed when the weather warms up at the beginning of spring each year.
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26 Sep 15, Liz Willson (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
1)Where can I buy Asparagus rhizomes near Pretoria? 2)when planting rhizomes, should the three year waiting period to harvest still be observed?
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10 Sep 15, Jeanne Goble (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I grow Asparagus in Kwa Zulu inland from the coast and where would I be able to buy the plants?
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02 Aug 15, John butler (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy commercial quantity of seed in west Australia please
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30 May 15, lesley hay (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have obtained 3 bags of asparagus rhizomes: Jersey Knight & Mary Washington. They are in a vermiculite mixture. When is the best time to plant in Gauteng. If June is not suitable, when do I plant? Also how long will they survive in stoage With appreciation. Les Hay
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17 Jan 16, Andrfe Lotz (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hallo Lesley, I grew up with Aspersies. Now I can not find or afford them! I would love to grow some . I have some land on the Klaserie river at the Kruger Park. Can you please help with a source of the roots? Crowns? Andre
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28 Sep 15, Liz Willson (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Lesly, please tell me where you got your roots from? I'm very keen to start growing but can't find seeds or roots, Email is [email protected] Many thanks Liz
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29 Apr 15, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have been looking for asparagus crowns for a long while and can't find any in Gauteng. Do you know where I can get some?
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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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