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

23 Nov 12, Delia (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm still confused about planting out: I've dug the trenches and planted the seedlings ( each having a feathery top and miniature spears) but do I now mound the well composted soil over the top of same or do I wait until they have grown some? If the latter, for how long? I'm not trying for the blanched (or white asparagus) .. just the green. Many thanks!
02 Dec 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Delia, I am a first time grower of A, have bought crowns this year, and seedling last year. And also planted seeds this year too. I guess you would treat it like any seedling, cover the roots up towhere the green freathery top starts, and leave any mini spears out in the air too. I read that one should not harvest any spears for at least a year from crowns or 2 years from seeds, so let any spars that you may have go and change into the fern this year. I believe it has something to do with strength going into the crown for next year, then you can cut some but not all..... good luck, I think A is something of a future investment, for patient people..... Jen Tasmania
07 Dec 12, Delia (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank you Jen: your suggestions are most welcome and these suggestions are exactly what I did. I have a half dozen tiny spears popping through and, while not wishing my life away, I can barely wait the two years required. I also understand that a lightly wooded Chardonnay is the perfect wine match with asparagus. Thanks for sharing, Delia
03 Mar 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Delia, sorry not to have responded sooner, forgot to check.... looks like we both are looking forward to our first home grown crop of Asparagus next year and your suggestion about the wooded Chardonnay is also a very good tip. Happy gardening now that it may get a little cooler, at least here in Tasmania. Jen
21 Nov 12, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there, I have purchased and planted out 5 A crowns, but only 4 have produced A shoots, one has not produced anything? Any ideas? Jen
30 Oct 12, Jannes Fritze (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i buy Asparagus crowns from?.
22 Dec 12, JJ van Rensburg (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Jannes Most nurseries can order Asparagus plants in for you. Where in South Africa are you - maybe we can be of assistance at Garden World in Muldersdrift.
22 Oct 12, Suzannah (Australia - temperate climate)
Should I cut off the tough ferny growth which is coming up now along with thick spears, or dig up those plants? Will they ever have good spears?
13 Oct 12, Peter Fordyce (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
What is the minimum temperature that asparagus is able to survive? It is grown in places like Bethlehem, Ficksburg and Gumtree where heavy frosts are common. Am considering planting in Nieu Bethesda where snow is regular. Thank you Peter Fordyce
20 Sep 12, Marie casey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
would i be able to grow asparagus in the sandy region about 50ks from frazer island .would i need to build up the soil or would that sandy soil suit.
Showing 491 - 500 of 574 comments

Just trying aspar. I use multi-later dig free gardens (Ester Dean Style). proposed Aspar. bed approx 2.4 x 1.8 x.6 deep Q?. How close can I plant crowns for maximum use of this bed? thanks Dave.

- Dave

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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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