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 16°C and 30°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 20 - 40 cm 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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23 Apr 20, Wendy De Vries (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you grow asparagus in a bathtub and how many plants could you fit in? Many thanks.
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27 Apr 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I wouldn't do it. I think it has long roots that need more than a bath tub. About 2 plants if you do do it.
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18 Aug 19, Anne Davey (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you spray for weeds around the asparagus in winter?
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19 Aug 19, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Three suggestions 1. Straight after you cut all the dead ferns off in winter spray the weeds - not recommended really you could kill the plants. 2. Give the ground a watering and pull the weeds out by hand - recommended. 3. Don't let the weeds grow much pull them out as they germinate. At the moment I have dozens of tomato seeds germinating from the mulch/compost I just put on my asparagus.
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02 Jul 19, Lee (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I am about to plant a raised garden bed with Asparagus, I have done the research but am confused with the depth that the crowns should be planted. Would any of those that have had success give me a little advice. Thanks in advance - Lee
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03 Jul 19, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Plant a few inches deep (3-4
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04 Jul 19, (New Zealand - temperate climate)
3-4
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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.
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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.
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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?
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Showing 21 - 30 of 40 comments
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I have a patch of purple passion which are tons sweeter than asparagus and they are great producers! We also have a patch of tried and true Millennium. We planted 10 crowns of each about four years ago, and they are enough for our family of 4 with some to spare. I'd love to freeze some and I'm thinking about starting a second patch of about 20 crowns to have some for preserving. Also, remember that when you plant your crowns, you don't harvest from them for two years. Just let them go to fern. They are quite lovely in a herbaceous border with other perennials. These are a gift to your future self! :)

- Elisabeth

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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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