When to plant asparagus in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAY

Transplant Apr 26 · First harvest Apr 25 · Wrap by Oct 1

Last spring frostMay 10

Transplant outApr 26

First harvestApr 25

Last harvestOct 1

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 frost-free days. Asparagus tolerates light frost, so you can set plants out ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall.

Common questions

How long does asparagus take to grow in zone 5a?

Asparagus matures in about 730–1095 days from transplanting. In zone 5a that means setting plants out around Apr 26 and first picking around Apr 25.

Will asparagus survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — asparagus tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can set plants out a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full asparagus growing guide →