Asparagus is a perennial crop that can last 15 years or more, so choosing a fertile, sunny, well-drained site is critical. Begin harvest two years after planting crowns (three years after seeds), and allow ferns to develop after harvest to build energy for the following year's spears.
Harvest signs
Harvest spears when they are six to eight inches long. Begin harvest the second spring after planting crowns (if plants were strong and healthy the prior season); harvest up to July 1 in following years.
▶Planting reference— Depth, spacing, pH, light
Depth
6 to 12 inch deep furrow (trench); 6 to 8 inches in heavy clay soils, 10 to 12 inches in very sandy soil. Cover crowns with 2 to 3 inches of soil initially. Seeds planted 1 inch deep.
Buds of crowns spaced about 12 inches apart (head-to-toe in furrow); seeds spaced 2 to 3 inches apart · Rows: At least 3 feet apart; seed rows 1 foot apart in nursery bed
Asparagus beetles:Browning and scarring on spears; asparagus shoots bend over, looking like a shepherd's crook↗
Aphids:Large colonies on asparagus ferns; natural enemies may be visible nearby feeding on them↗
Common diseases · 3
Asparagus rust:Yellow and rusty orange spots form on asparagus stems after harvest↗
Purple spot:Sunken purple spots on asparagus spears; tan spots with a purple border on mature stems↗
Crown rot:Poor growth; leaves and stems may yellow and die back; infected crowns are brown and decayed when cut open↗
Companions & antagonists
Plant near:TomatoParsley
Tip: Plant crowns, not seed. No harvest first 2 years.
Common questions
How much water does asparagus need?
Asparagus is fairly drought-tolerant once established and can dry out further between waterings. A soil-moisture range of about 30–50% is plenty — overwatering does more harm than a little dryness.
Can I grow asparagus in a raised bed or container?
Asparagus is a perennial that stays put for years, so give it a permanent in-ground spot or a large, deep container it can live in long-term.
Does asparagus come back every year?
Yes — asparagus is a perennial. Plant it once and it comes back each year, so pick a spot it can keep for several seasons.
