Your comments and tips

03 Jun 19, Kathryn (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

HI Kaye, I would think they need at least, good morning sun. I have mine in a bed that faces North so they get a decent amount of sun. But are shaded from summer late afternoon sun as here we get over 40 degrees in summer. What density is the shade cloth, 50/70/90?

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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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16 Apr 19, John (Australia - temperate climate)

When we planted crowns about 4 years ago, most seemed to be male. But each year, more and more of the plants started bearing the red berries, indicating female. This year, they are almost ALL carrying red berries. Any thoughts?

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06 Jun 19, Chris Dawson (Australia - temperate climate)

John why are you saying that most appeared male? Did they produce male flowers with stamens? Or are you basing your assumption on the lack of berries in autumn? Regardless, female plants produce berries, males don't produce berries, very few asparagus plants are hermaphrodites so the ones with berries are female. Perhaps they were all female, more likely you allowed seed to fall, it sprouted and produced more female plants.

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15 Apr 19, Lynne Harriman (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

hi do you recommend pulling out the flowering female aspauagus plants as i've read they do not produce sprouts well. thanks

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06 Jun 19, Chris Dawson (Australia - temperate climate)

No, that is a myth. Peer reviewed studies show that female asparagus produce longer, fatter spears that are better than male plants. Males may produce more spears, but they are thinner, shorter and not as good.

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05 Apr 19, Maria (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

When is the best time to sow Asparagus seeds please? Information here instructions crowns with season. Thank you

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25 Mar 19, Sally (Australia - temperate climate)

My asparagus plants were planted as crowns last winter and have flourished as great big ferny bushes all summer. I'm a bit puzzled as to why they are still pushing up big fat shoots in early autumn! I don't want to cut them because they are less than a year old, but shouldn't they be going to sleep by now?

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