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

11 Sep 12, David (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just trimmed my ferny Aspagus which I now see is probably too early. There didnt seem to be anything but ferny growth. When does the crop grow? Will my crop grow although I seem to have trimmed too early. Thanks for your help
02 Sep 12, alice cooper (Australia - temperate climate)
where does asparagus like to grow best full sun ,part sun and do they need to be protected from frost.
22 Jun 12, barbara (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I actually live in Uruguay, S.America which has a temperate climate much like the south east US but not as cold. I planted some asparagus seeds last year into earth boxes and would like to know if I should plant them in their permanent bed this spring or wait another year. The ferns are beginning to turn brown and I've left them to nourish the roots. Any advice would be appreciated.
15 Apr 12, Johnny Meinert (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi, am living on a smallhold close to Swakopmund in Namibia.Plot owners plant successfully green asp on rather salty soil.I would like to try white asp on 1/4 ha land.Soil is soft and fine. We never have frost and have to water since we have no rainfall. Preferable thick stemms since i would like to market already peeled stems.Please advise type of young plants and where to buy against what costs. Regards, Johnny.
09 Dec 23, Mikel Streppel (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi Johnny, are you Johnny Meinert, giude of Springbok Tours? If Not, delete it.
22 Jul 12, Gail Broekman (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I am also wanting to grow about half a hectare of asparagus and would like to know whether you managed to find any plants and where from? Regards
08 Apr 12, Kate McCarthy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi guys After many attempts, we now have success with growing asparagus. In answer to previous question(s) I believe you can harvest many many spears from each plant, so they are well worth growing. My question to others is: I have read English literature that told of a practice of heaping salt on the plants after the fronds appear. I would not want to add salt to our saline landscape but wonder why this would benefit asparagus? Also is Autumn the time to add high nitrogen (organic & mostly home made) fertilisers? Lastly, I bought seeds & 2 year crowns on line. Gotta love that company! Thanks Kate
02 Oct 12, Rob (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hold off on fertilising during autumn especially with nitrogen and other soluble types. Fertilising is best done just before the plants enter their rapid growth phase, this is not only true for asparagus but for all plants although if your crop is flowers, fertilising during their rapid growth phase is also beneficial.
23 Aug 12, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I was told that asparagus was a shoreline plant originally, hence the supposed saline affection. All I have done is mulch with unwashed seaweed from the beach. This provides excellent nutrition and so far so good. I'd be careful about adding salt, and seaweed seems the perfect solution.
27 Dec 11, Mary (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am a first time grower and am preparing the ground with compost only in a mound.what else should I add? SHEEP MANURE OR CHOOK.DO THEY LIKE LIME?
Showing 501 - 510 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 (??)

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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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