Stephen Albert
Asparagus is a perennial plant that can grow for 15 to 20 spears. Asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns. Here are asparagus growing basics:
Sowing asparagus seed and planting crowns (roots)
- If you grow asparagus from seed, your first harvest will come in three years.
- If you grow asparagus from crowns (established roots), the first harvest will come a year after planting two-year-old crowns and two years after planting one-year-old crowns.
- Crowns are available in nurseries and garden centers each spring or you can start your own.
- To start plants from seed, sow seeds indoors or outdoors in early spring one year before re-setting the roots in their permanent location.
- Cover seed with ½”(12 mm) of soil.
- The seeds will germinate in 14-18 days at 75°F (25°C).
Asparagus growing tips
- Grow asparagus in deep, loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and compost.
- Choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of sun each day.
- Set asparagus crowns (roots) in the garden as early as the soil can be worked in spring. Set one- or two-year-old crowns in trenches 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) deep and in rows 12 to18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
- Space roots 8 inches (20 cm) apart for slender spears to 14” (36 cm) apart for thick spears.
- Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season; do not water during the winter.
- Mulch the planting be with straw or leaf much during the winter to protect roots from freezing temperatures.
- Regular applications of compost or well-rotted manure will keep plants productive.
Harvesting asparagus
- Do not harvest asparagus spears the first year Allow the plants to develop a strong root system.
- Grown from seed the first crop of spears will come in the third year.
- Harvest mid to late spring in the third year after planting.
- After the third year, the harvest will extend 6-10 weeks.
- Harvest when spears are ¼-¾” (6-19 mm) in diameter and about 5-8” (13-20 cm) long by snapping off spears at the base.
- Harvest before the stems toughen and the scales at the tips begin to open.
- Steam, grill, or sauté tender shoots.
More tips at How to Grow Asparagus.
For detailed asparagus growing articles go to Asparagus.
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