Asparagus Garden Guide

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Asparagus

Asparagus Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 10-15" (254-381 mm)
Row Spacing: 10-15" (254-381 mm)
Planting Depth: 6" (152 mm)
Plants Per Person: 3
Soil Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
Days to Emergence: 10-18
Recommended Soil PH: 7.0
Seed Indoors: 10 weeks before transplanting
Earliest Outdoor Planting: Before Last Frost
Tick Can direct seed outdoors
Tick Can seed indoors

Planting Asparagus

Asparagus is most productive in loose soil that is rich in organic matter and amply supplied with phosphorus and potassium; pH near 7.0.

Most commonly propagated division or separation; purchase disease-free, 1-year-old crowns for planting. Asparagus can also be grown from seed, but requires an extra year to establish. Plants can produce for up to 15 years, so choose your location carefully.

Plant crowns 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost 10 to 15 inches apart in trenches 6 inches deep. Spread the roots out uniformly, with the crown bud side up, in an upright, centered position, slightly higher than the roots and cover with 1 to 2 inches of soil. Gradually cover with more soil as the plants grow.

Growing Asparagus

Water during dry spells during the first year, but do not over-water. Mulch heavily with straw or chopped leaves to reduce soil crusting, control weeds and retain moisture. Side-dress plants with a balanced fertilizer in late summer and top-dress with an organic mulch in autumn.

Harvesting and Storing Asparagus

You can begin to harvest asparagus spears after their 2nd year of growth. Harvest spears that are 6 to 10 inches long by cutting them 1 to 2 inches below the soil level. Harvested spears can be held for 10 days at 34 degrees F with 100% relative humidity.

Asparagus Insect and Disease Information

Asparagus beetles can be hand picked off if small amount; severe infestation, spray with an appropriate insecticide. To help avoid diseases like asparagus rust, fusarium root or crown rots, make sure your soil drains well and the soil pH does not drop below 6.5.

Asparagus Yield Information

Each asparagus plant will send up multiple spears that can be harvested after a few years. For highest yields, plant all-male hybrids.