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

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23 Jul 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you water them they will shoot in winter. Mine did last year and I didn't have many spears in Spring. I stopped watering the end of April this year. Cut the old dying ferns off about two weeks ago. Will put horse manure and compost on them mid August and start watering start of Sept.
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05 Jun 18, Sharon Tomlinson (Australia - temperate climate)
I have asparagus roots that I have stored in sand for about 5 years. Do you think they would grow or do you think they would be dead?
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07 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My guess is they are dead. Plant them in Sept and see what happens. If they didn't grow and die off each year then what has sustained them all this time.
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04 Jun 18, Mark Hussey (Australia - arid climate)
Mindful that its a little early to cut back asparagus shoots, but when you do ,keep in mind that they are useful in getting rid of nematodes if you dig them through effected areas
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04 May 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
wouldnt it be dangerous to grow asparagus in your garden with young children likely to eat the berries?
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07 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
As an adult you could tell them NOT TO EAT THEM.
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01 May 18, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
I am wanting to relocate some Asparagus plants when is the best time please
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04 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I want to relocate 3 of mine. I have read they don't like it and you might miss a season's crop. Also if a few years old they may be quite large as in 450-700mm deep. Best time would be in mid winter probably.
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25 Apr 18, Jene (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Its my first time trying to grow asparagus as i love this vegetable and would like to know its sensitivity to wind and sun? I live in kzn
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23 Apr 18, Tony (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi all, our asparagus ferns are still green.We're in Gisborne Vic.Should we wait till they turn completely brown or can we trim them off now.Will it make any difference to the crowns if cut them now while they're still green .Thanks Tony
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I planted my asparagus during the winter months, they now have ferny tops, what do I do with them now, I planted 2.

- Eileen

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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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