Asparagus Harvest Schedule: Year-by-Year Guide

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that rewards patience. Once established, it can produce abundant spears for 15 years or more—but only if harvested at the right time. Rushing the harvest can weaken crowns, while waiting too long ensures stronger plants and bigger yields. After more than 30 years of growing asparagus, I’ve learned that a clear year-by-year schedule is essential for long-term success.

Table of Contents

Year 1: Planting and Establishment

Do Not Harvest: Allow all spears to grow into ferns.
Focus on Root Growth: Ferns capture sunlight and store energy in crowns for future harvests.
Tasks: Keep beds weed-free, water consistently, and mulch to conserve moisture.

Year 2: Limited Sampling

Light Harvest (Optional): If plants are vigorous, you can take a few spears over 1–2 weeks.
Key Goal: Continue strengthening crowns by allowing most shoots to fern out.
Tip: Only harvest spears thicker than a pencil.

Year 3: First Real Harvest

Harvest Period: 4–6 weeks of regular picking.
Frequency: Cut spears daily when 6–10 inches tall.
After Harvest: Fertilize and allow ferns to grow freely for the rest of the season.

Year 4 and Beyond: Full Production

Harvest Period: 6–8 weeks each spring.
Management: Stop harvesting when spears thin, signaling crowns need rest.
Maintenance: Feed with compost or balanced fertilizer after harvest to support fern growth.

My Experience and Key Takeaways

In my California garden, following this schedule has allowed beds to stay productive for more than 20 years. The key is patience in the first two years and disciplined stopping dates during peak harvest seasons. Strong crowns reward you with thicker, sweeter spears year after year.

Asparagus Growing Hub

Start here: The Ultimate Asparagus Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest

Planting & Establishment

Care & Maintenance

Pests & Diseases

Harvest & Storage

Kitchen & Varieties

Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

Male vs. Female Asparagus Plants: What’s the Difference
ByStephen Albert

Asparagus is a perennial crop that produces for decades, but not all plants are created equal. Understanding the difference between male and female asparagus plants helps gardeners choose varieties for bigger harvests and easier maintenance. After more than 30 years of growing asparagus in raised beds, I’ve seen how plant sex directly affects spear size,…

Read More Male vs. Female Asparagus Plants: What’s the Difference
How to Blanch Asparagus for White Spears
ByStephen Albert

Blanching asparagus is an age-old technique for producing tender, mild-flavored white spears. Instead of growing in sunlight, the spears are deprived of light, preventing chlorophyll formation and keeping them pale. I’ve experimented with blanching in both raised beds and open garden rows, and it’s easier than many gardeners expect. Here’s how to do it successfully…

Read More How to Blanch Asparagus for White Spears
The Best Companion Plants for Asparagus and What to Avoid
ByStephen Albert

Asparagus thrives for 15 years or more when planted with the right neighbors. Good companions help repel pests, improve soil, and maximize space, while poor choices compete for nutrients or harbor harmful insects. After decades of growing asparagus in my California garden, I’ve learned which plants enhance its health and which to keep at a…

Read More The Best Companion Plants for Asparagus and What to Avoid
Top Asparagus Varieties to Grow in Your Garden
ByStephen Albert

Asparagus is a long-lived perennial that rewards patience with tender, flavorful spears for decades. Choosing the right variety is key to a productive harvest and delicious results. Over more than 30 years of growing asparagus in raised beds and garden rows, I’ve trialed classic and modern cultivars to find the best for flavor, yield, and…

Read More Top Asparagus Varieties to Grow in Your Garden
When and How to Start Harvesting Asparagus Spears
ByStephen Albert

Asparagus is one of the earliest spring vegetables, prized for its tender, flavorful spears. Harvesting at the right time ensures peak taste while maintaining plant health for future seasons. With over 30 years of asparagus-growing experience in my California garden, I’ve learned the precise timing and techniques that maximize yield and spear quality. When to…

Read More When and How to Start Harvesting Asparagus Spears
Fertilizing Kohlrabi: Tips for Bigger, Sweeter Bulbs
ByStephen Albert

Kohlrabi is a cool-season, heavy-feeding brassica that thrives with proper fertilization. With over 30 years of gardening experience, I’ve learned that feeding your plants correctly—from planting through growth—directly impacts bulb size, flavor, and overall plant health. In this guide, I’ll share step-by-step fertilizing strategies to help you achieve robust, tender, and sweet kohlrabi bulbs. Step…

Read More Fertilizing Kohlrabi: Tips for Bigger, Sweeter Bulbs