Asparagus Growing Guide

Growing Asparagus in Your Garden

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can produce delicious spears for up to 20 years with proper care. Although it takes a little patience to establish, asparagus is well worth the wait and is a fantastic addition to any home garden. Follow this guide to grow and maintain a thriving asparagus bed.

Why Use Asparagus Crowns Instead of Seeds?

An asparagus crown is the root system of an asparagus plant that has already been grown for 1–2 years.

Crowns are dormant when sold and are planted directly into the soil, where they quickly establish and begin producing spears much sooner than starting from seeds. With crowns, you can begin harvesting light crops in the second year, while seeds may take 3–4 years to reach harvest maturity.

By using crowns, you can enjoy a thriving asparagus bed in less time, making them a great choice for gardeners looking for both convenience and productivity.

When To Plant Asparagus?

Asparagus is a perennial crop that thrives when planted during cooler seasons, giving it time to establish before extreme temperatures. The best time to plant asparagus depends on your local climate:

Plant asparagus crowns in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This ensures the plants have ample time to establish before the growing season.

Asparagus prefers soil temperatures between 50–70°F for optimal growth. While established asparagus plants are hardy and can withstand winter frosts, younger plants need time to develop strong roots before facing extreme weather. Avoid planting during hot summer months, as this can stress the plants and hinder growth.

Once established, asparagus will return year after year, providing fresh, delicious spears each spring.

Did you know?

It takes 2–3 years for an asparagus bed to fully establish! Once established, an asparagus bed can produce delicious spears for 15–20 years or more with proper care. It’s a long-term investment in your garden!

Asparagus Plant Spacing

In-Ground Planting

Row Spacing - 4 to 5 feet

Plant Spacing - 12 to 18 inches

Planting Depth - 8 to 12 inch furrows

Raised Bed Planting

Row Spacing - 18 to 24 inches

Plant Spacing - 12 to 18 inches

Planting Depth - 6 to 8 inch furrows

Lay roots along the bottom of the furrow and cover with two to three inches of soil. Roots are planted horizontally, parallel to the bottom of the trench and the soil surface. As the spears grow up and expand into ferns, gradually fill up the trench with soil.

Asparagus Soil, Irrigation & Fertilizer

Soil Requirements to Grow Asparagus

Loamy, well-drained soil
PH between 6.0 to 7.0
Rich in organic matter
Good quality compost added to the soil

Conduct a Hoss Soil Test to be sure the soil is in the correct pH range and that it contains high levels of phosphorus. Spread phosphorus and lime thoroughly at the bottom of the eight to ten-inch deep planting furrow.

Asparagus Irrigation Requirements

Asparagus plants require at least 1-2 inches of water per square foot per week. Using drip irrigation is always recommended to be sure that your asparagus plants are getting moisture directly to their root system. We suggest using a longer lasting drip tape, our 15 mil drip tape has a life span of 5-7 years. You can also mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

Asparagus Fertilizer Schedule

Step One: Several Weeks Before Planting

Test your soil with the HOSS Soil Sample Kit. Adjust the pH and soil levels accordingly, asparagus needs a pH of 6.0-7.0

Do not add compost or fertilizer until the plants are growing!

Step Two: In Early Fall

Side dress with 1 lb 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq ft and incorporate into the top 2 inches of soil.

Step Three: Succeeding Years

Apply 2 lbs of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq ft in early spring. Reapply, after harvest

Step Four: Succeeding Years

Apply 2 lbs of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq ft in early spring. Reapply, after harvest.

Step Five: Every 3 Years

Re-test your soil with the Hoss Soil Sample Test Kit.

Hoss All-In-One Vegetable Fertilizer

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20 20 20 Garden Fertilizer

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Chilean Nitrate Fertilizer

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Pelletized Gypsum Soil Conditioner

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Asparagus Pest & Disease Protection

Insects

Organic Controls

Garden Insect Spray
Aphids, Asparagus Beetles, Cutworms, Thrips

Horticulture Oil
Aphids

Bug Buster-O
Aphids, Asparagus Beetles, Thrips

Take Down Garden Spray
Aphids, Asparagus Beetles, Thrips

Diatomaceous Earth
Aphids, Asparagus Beetles, Cutworms, Thrips

Neem Oil
Aphids, Asparagus Beetles, Cutworms, Thrips

Sluggo Plus
Slugs and Snails

Non-Organic

Bug buster II
Aphids, Cutworms, Thrips

Treat as needed using label instructions.

Common Diseases

Organic Controls

Fungi Max
Rust, Fusarium Crown Rot

Garden Phos
Rust, Fusarium Crown Rot

Treat as needed using label instructions.

Garden Sprayer

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From $39⁹⁹

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Sluggo Plus

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From $29⁹⁹

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Take Down Garden Spray

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From $24⁹⁹

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Monterey Bt

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Harvesting Asparagus

When To Harvest

Asparagus harvesting begins once the plants are established, which typically takes a few years. In the first year after planting, avoid harvesting any spears. This allows the plants to focus on developing a strong root system. By the second year, you can harvest lightly for about 2–3 weeks, taking only a few spears to avoid stressing the young plants. Starting in the third year and beyond, you can harvest for a full 6–8 weeks in spring. The harvest season typically begins in early spring and ends when the spears begin to thin out.

How to Harvest

To harvest asparagus, wait until the spears are 6–10 inches tall with tightly closed tips. Harvesting can be done by using a sharp knife or garden scissors to cut spears just above the soil line. Alternatively, you can snap the spears by bending them gently until they break naturally at their tender point. It’s best to check your asparagus bed every 1–2 days during the growing season, as spears grow rapidly in warm weather.

Preserving & Storing Asparagus

Freshly harvested asparagus is best enjoyed right away but can be stored for short or long periods with proper care. For short-term storage, trim the ends of the spears and place them upright in a jar or glass with about an inch of water. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate. Stored this way, asparagus can stay fresh for 5–7 days.

For long-term storage, asparagus can be frozen or pickled. To freeze, wash and trim the spears, blanch them in boiling water for 2–4 minutes (depending on spear thickness), and immediately transfer them to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Once dry, pack them into freezer-safe bags, and they can be stored for 8–12 months. Pickling is another great option, using a vinegar-based brine to create a tangy, long-lasting treat.

To keep asparagus at its freshest, avoid washing it until you’re ready to use it, as excess moisture can cause it to spoil faster. With proper harvesting and storage techniques, you can enjoy the delicious taste of asparagus for weeks—or even months!

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