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

15 May 23, (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
I have a single shoot growing from 2 plants that are 12–14in tall already in middle of May. Should I cut these down now?
19 May 23, (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
Let them grow for the first 2-3 years.
12 May 23, don jinks (USA - Zone 4a climate)
starting a new garden at new house what month should I plant the asparagus in zone 4 since Ive missed the spring planting?
13 May 23, (USA - Zone 4a climate)
It says plant now. Try crowns if you can get them.
01 May 23, (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I’m in East Tennessee. Do I plant in sun or shade? I’m originally from Iowa and it would grown wild at the base of trees.
08 May 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Full sun.
13 Feb 23, Gerrie Steenkamp (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy seeds and plants in SA
18 Jan 23, Ericka Wojcik (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Any one have succes growing in 9b?
28 Jan 24, Heidi (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Im in La Quinta m, CA and I have the same question! Transplanting mine today! Hopefully will remember to update this post!
23 Jan 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9b climate)
Not suited to your climate by the look.
Showing 21 - 30 of 557 comments

I have purple asparagus, about a 7 year old bed. I read to only harvest spears that are larger than a pencil, but if I do that the smaller ones turn into "bushes" and hide the larger spears. Is this the correct way to harvest and grow? Question 2: I read to only harvest them for a certain number of weeks and then when they start getting pencil thin, to stop harvesting. but this seems like such a short harvest season, and the plants still want to produce. It is as if my asparagus bed is bushy more than it is in the productive mode. Is this correct? Can I continue to harvest longer? Question 3: Can I plant the poisonous red balls and they will grow into new plants? I thought my old plants would reproduce, but my bed seems to be about the same annually. I just don't feel like a confident grower, and the sources I read don't seem to provide information specific enough for my needs. thank you

- Pam

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.