Asparagus is slow to mature, but within three to five years, you’ll have an abundant harvest.
Every spring, asparagus will come back, providing over a month of veggies every spring.
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Asparagus spears are the straight young shoots of the plant, with scale-like tips.
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This perennial is typically planted from roots, or crowns, in early spring.
However, seeds will add several years to your wait.
Most people find it easier to grow asparagus from crowns, which are widely available in the spring.
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They should look firm and fresh, not withered or mushy.
Heirloom varieties need extra space, as they produce seeds and will self-sow.
The most common way to plant asparagus crowns is in a trench.
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In the spring, dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
Combine your compost, fertilizer, or other organic matter, and create mounds about 18 inches apart.
Set the crown on top of the mound, spreading the roots down the sides.
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The top of the crown should be about 6 inches below the soil line.
Cover the crown with soil, and water well.
As shoots appear, add more soil to fill the trench until it’s flush with the soil line.
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Asparagus roots form a tightly woven mat, which makes it challenging to remove weeds.
Avoid interplanting with other crops because asparagus dislike competition for nutrients.
Asparagus Care
Light
Asparagus plants grow best infull sun.
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Work in plenty oforganic matterand double-check thesoil pHis in the neutral 6.5 to 7.0 range.
Also, get rid of any weeds and large stones in the area.
The soil must drain well so the plants are never sitting in water.
Consider adding drip irrigation or a soaker hose to the asparagus bed.
In the spring, asparagus will begin to grow shoots when the soil temperature reaches 40 degrees.
Any frost after the shoots start growing will cause damage.
You may see slow growth with temperatures above 85 or below 55 degrees.
To keep the soil rich and help feed the asparagus plants, top dress the soil annually withcompost.
Soak the seeds overnight before planting them half an inch deep in a seed starting tray.
The soil will need to be 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit for germination.
Then it’s a matter of patience as you wait for the harvest a few years down the road.
Overwintering
Asparagus plants need to be cut to the ground each year before the new growth starts.
The timing is up to you.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Asparagus does not have many problems in the garden.
Otherwise, diluted neem oil should keep them under control.
Learning how to grow asparagus is a test of patience!
Typically, you’ll have to wait until the third year to harvest stalks.
However, you’ll enjoy an asparagus harvest every spring for 20 to 30 years.
The asparagus stalks that you have cut will regrow the next year because asparagus is a perennial.
You’ll typically harvest 10 to fifteen spears annually from one mature asparagus plant.
University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management.
Frequently Asked Questions for Asparagus.
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
3, 2014, pp.
