Growing Asparagus

Aspargus officianalis : Asparagaceae / the asparagus family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                P P P  

(Best months for growing Asparagus in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant crowns
  • 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

04 Sep 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Cut back the watering from end of May. If you keep watering and have a warmish winter it keeps growing. The idea is for the plant to put a lot of energy etc back into the crown (from the ferns) mid summer to Autumn. That is what allows the plant to send up spears during Spring. This time of the year you should have the ferns cut off, put 100-150 (?) of compost on top and applied some fertiliser and be watering heaps. At the moment I'm picking 12-15 spears each third day from 4 crowns.
29 Aug 20, Jenni Orr (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Want to order some crowns in Pukekohe. Where to order from?
01 Sep 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Google seed selling websites in NZ.
22 Aug 20, Chris McGeough (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Heads are just coming up but are being eaten by something very small that is killing each head off or leaving scars. Put some chook manure on a couple of months ago and wonder if its bugs in that? Any help would be great.
24 Aug 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
It might be slugs or snails, try using something to kill or deter them.
24 Aug 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Google it - bugs that eat asparagus. Probably have to go out at night to see them. Then look for a spray, organic or chemical. Maybe don't use chook manure, or compost it before putting it on. I don't put compost/manure on until mid-late August.
17 Aug 20, Michael Archer (Australia - temperate climate)
I purchased some purple asparagus seedlings 1 year ago (Aug 19) Perth WA Planted them out Dec 19. 1 large female bush is still growing spears up to 15mm thick in July 20 and shows no signs of weakening. I have resisted the temptation to eat the spears, but with spring approaching I am wondering if I should prune it or just leave it to the ravages of climate change. Needless to say I am collecting the berries. Michael
19 Aug 20, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
A suggestion, stop watering asparagus at the end of May, let the ferns die off. Then around now to early September, cut all the ferns off at ground level. Scatter some fertiliser on the top of the soil and put 150mm of compost/manures etc on top of that. Start water again.
29 Jul 20, Terri (Australia - temperate climate)
We live on the Edge of the Great Swamp, near Koo Wee Rup in Victoria, where most of Australia's asparagus is grown. The plants are in full sun constantly, and in peaty soil which is constantly wet. You should be fine.
30 Jul 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you live near a bigger town/city see if the company Nutrien Ag Solutions has a depot near you or call the Bundaberg depot. Ring them up and discuss it with them. Ask to talk to their agronomist. If you live near them take the leaves in to them. They are very helpful.
Showing 151 - 160 of 574 comments

I stop watering at the end of April and just leave it. I cut back the end of August and apply fertiliser then water and 4-6 (??)

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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. GardenGrow 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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.