How to grow Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
Plant once, harvest for 15+ years.
Asparagus is a long-term investment: a well-prepared bed produces spears every spring for 15–20 years. Be patient — don’t harvest much the first couple of years while crowns build strength.
Grow Asparagus with step-by-step help for your exact yard.
Start free in Seededly →Asparagus at a glance
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Spacing | 18 in |
| Harvest | 2 yrs to first crop |
| Plant | Early spring |
| Note | Perennial — 15+ yrs |
How to grow Asparagus, step by step
Prep a permanent bed
- Plant crowns in a deep, rich, weed-free trench — this bed lasts decades.
- Space 18 in; this is a long-term spot.
Be patient
- Harvest little to none years 1–2 so crowns build strength.
- Let ferns grow all summer to feed the roots.
Harvest spring spears
- From year 3, snap spears for 6–8 weeks each spring.
- Stop when spears thin to pencil width; let them fern out.
Asparagus problems & fixes
Asparagus — Thin, spindly spears: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Young bed or tired crowns. Stop cutting; feed and let ferns grow.
Asparagus — Orange spots on ferns (rust): what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Improve airflow; grow resistant varieties; clean up debris.
Asparagus — Beetles on spears: what's wrong and how do I fix it?
Asparagus beetle. Handpick; keep the patch tidy.
Recommended asparagus varieties
- Jersey Knight — All-rounder. Vigorous, disease-resistant, all-male.
- Mary Washington — Heirloom. The classic open-pollinated variety.
- Purple Passion — Purple. Sweet, tender purple spears.
Asparagus month-by-month
| January | Dormant — order crowns. |
|---|---|
| February | Prep the bed. |
| March | Plant crowns. |
| April | Spears emerge (don’t over-cut young beds). |
| May | Harvest season (established beds). |
| June | Let ferns grow. |
| July | Ferns feed the crowns. |
| August | Keep beds weeded. |
| September | Ferns stand. |
| October | Ferns yellow. |
| November | Cut down dead ferns; mulch. |
| December | Dormant. |