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

18 Jun 19, Florence (Australia - arid climate)
We planted our asparagus in summer and although it is winter now, the ferns are still green. There wasn't any berries in autumn, Do we have to cut off the ferns or just leave them to die out?
24 Jun 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Don't water them from now until late August and then cut them.
05 Jun 19, (Australia - tropical climate)
Thanks Mike. My crowns are at least 5 years old but the spears are not all that thick. I'm just out of Mackay so I dont think I have been giving them enough attention.
07 Jun 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Good draining soil. Cut old ferns off, early to mid August. Apply some compost 4-6
26 May 19, Kaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have asparagus plants in garden with shade cloth will this be enough sun They grew well last summer but only the first year
03 Jun 19, Kathryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
HI Kaye, I would think they need at least, good morning sun. I have mine in a bed that faces North so they get a decent amount of sun. But are shaded from summer late afternoon sun as here we get over 40 degrees in summer. What density is the shade cloth, 50/70/90?
25 Apr 19, Sean0 Wilson (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
When do I cut down my asparagus ferns to prepare the bed for winter? At the moment – still quite lush and green. I’m from Chch.
06 May 19, Green thumb (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Cut the ferns in late August and put compost or composted manure on it. Stop watering them now.
20 Apr 19, Michelle (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have grown some asparagus from seeds and they are about two inches high. I really want to plant them in the garden now (because I remember to water my veggie garden but often forget to water the seedlings so I just want to get them in the garden so they are better looked after also they don't dry out so quickly there as well.) Is it Ok to plant them now and will they survive the Pukekohe/Auckland winter in the vegetable garden and all come up in spring?
16 Apr 19, John (Australia - temperate climate)
When we planted crowns about 4 years ago, most seemed to be male. But each year, more and more of the plants started bearing the red berries, indicating female. This year, they are almost ALL carrying red berries. Any thoughts?
Showing 231 - 240 of 574 comments

Planting asparagus from seed will take a lot longer before you get a crop, three years. Go to your local nursery and ask for asparagus crowns, which can then be planted out. This can still take up to 2 years to be productive.

- Darren

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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.
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