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

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07 Feb 19, Lucia nunes (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can I grow asparagus in zone 10 .
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01 Feb 19, Eric van der linde (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy 2 year old asparagus crowns. l live in Meyerton area.
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23 Jun 19, Pam (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
You can buy online at Hadeco. They have stock at the moment but sell out quickly as they only ship for a couple of months each year.
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23 Jan 19, Ricardo Torres (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I planted asparagus three mths ago. My zone is between 9 & 10. The weather has been pretty windy and cold. I water well so cold won't dry the plant. But when will i see asparagus start growing?
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29 Nov 18, Ainsley Armishaw (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Our asparagus is in its third year, grown from crowns, how many stalks should I leave each year to flower and when can you cut off the stalks that have been left
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29 Nov 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
In the spring you pick the spears after they come out of the ground - stop late Oct early Nov. To have a good crop next year you need to leave all spears/ferns to grow. These then provide food for the crown to grow for next year. Stop watering about early May and let the ferns die back. Cut the ferns off in August. As soon as I cut mine the spears start growing.
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16 Nov 18, Henry (Australia - temperate climate)
How close is too close in companion planting ? Thanks
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20 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sorry I had that wrong. I was thinking non compatible plants. Companion planting would be fairly close taking into consideration what area both plant varieties need to produce a decent crop. Like if you were growing beans you would grow marigolds (I don't know if they are companion plants) about 500-600mm away. You don't want one crop over growing the other crop. Generally people plant things too close together - me included.
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18 Nov 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
2-3 meters.
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12 Nov 18, Vanessa (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
wherein south Africa can a person buy the crowns? I live in Cape Town, I have some growing from seed and they are doing really well but I don't feel like starting again and waiting for another 2-3 years. thanks
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Showing 251 - 260 of 574 comments
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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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