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ATTENTION: WINTER ORDERS (shipping & pick-up). All orders will be scheduled for shipping or pickup based on your location's last frost date and the dormancy status of the plants ordered. Please contact us if you need or order by a specific time and we will try to accommodate you.
ATTENTION: WINTER ORDERS (shipping & pick-up). All orders will be scheduled for shipping or pickup based on your location's last frost date and the dormancy status of the plants ordered. Please contact us if you need or order by a specific time and we will try to accommodate you.

Asparagus Care Guide

Asparagus Care Guide

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a perennial vegetable, meaning once you plant it, it can produce for 30-40 years with proper care. Growing asparagus requires patience and proper soil preparation, but the reward of a long-lasting, productive bed is well worth the effort. Here’s a comprehensive guide to planting, caring for, and harvesting asparagus.

Choosing the Right Location

  • Sunlight: Asparagus needs full sun for at least 8 hours a day. A sunny spot will help ensure strong, healthy growth.
  • Soil: Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Choose a location in the garden that has been cultivated for a few years, as it will likely have good soil structure and fewer weeds. Asparagus prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.5 to 7), so you may need to amend the soil with lime if the pH is lower.
  • Space: Asparagus can be planted in a dedicated bed, or even as an ornamental in flower beds, thanks to its attractive fern-like foliage. Keep in mind, mature asparagus plants can grow between 18" and 36" tall, so plan your spacing accordingly. 

Planting Asparagus

  1. Planting Time: Asparagus can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. The best time to plant is when the soil has warmed up to about 50°F. You can also plant in the fall in areas with mild winters.
  2. Planting Instructions: Your plants will arrive in pots as seedlings (we do not sell asparagus crowns). Remove the plant from its pot, gently tease the roots outward and plant at the same depth the seedlings were at in the pot. 
  3. Plant Spacing: Space each asparagus plant 18 inches apart to allow for ample room to grow. If planting in rows, maintain a 3-foot-wide row. If planting in a zigzag pattern, increase the spacing to 5 feet wide between rows.
  4. Watering: Water well immediately after planting and continue to water the plants deeply for the first 3 weeks to establish strong roots, making sure to observe the new planting between waterings so that it doesn’t say too wet or too dry. 
  5. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more consistent soil temperature. Mulching also saves energy and time during the growing season.

Caring for Asparagus

  1. Fertilizing and Soil Amendments: Asparagus are heavy feeders. Before the sprouts emerge each year, add organic matter such as manure and compost. Fertilizers that contain potassium sulfate, K-mag, or wood ash work well to meet asparagus' nutrient needs. Fertilizers with a higher ratio of potassium can encourage strong growth.
  2. Weeding: Keep the asparagus bed free of weeds, especially in the early years when the plants are getting established. Mulching and regular weeding will help reduce competition for nutrients and water.
  3. Watering: Asparagus needs deep, consistent watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once established, asparagus is somewhat drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture will help produce better spears.

Harvesting Asparagus

  1. First Year: It’s best to allow the asparagus plants to grow without harvesting the first year. This allows the crowns to become established and strengthened. In some cases, you may be able to harvest a few spears, but be cautious to not over-harvest.
  2. Second Year: After one year of establishment, begin harvesting spears but limit it to 2-4 weeks. This allows the plant to continue developing strong roots and crowns. Only harvest spears once they’ve reached a minimum of pencil thickness.
  3. Mature Beds (3+ years): Once your asparagus bed is established (typically in its third year), you can extend the harvest season. Harvest for 6-7 weeks, picking spears when they reach 6-8 inches tall. Only harvest about 75% of the spears at their peak size to avoid depleting the crown’s energy. 
  4. Cutting Method: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the spears about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Be careful not to damage the crown or surrounding soil.

Asparagus Maintenance

  • Fertilizing: After the harvest season, apply compost or a balanced fertilizer to replenish the soil. This supports future growth and encourages strong crown development for the next year.
  • Crown Care: In the fall, once the ferns have died back, cut them to the ground. This helps reduce the risk of disease and encourages healthy growth in the spring.
  • Mulching for Winter: In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch (such as straw or leaves) around the asparagus bed in late fall to protect the crowns from winter cold. This also helps keep weeds at bay.

Asparagus in South Florida

In warm climates like South Florida, asparagus can grow year-round. Here's how to approach growing asparagus in warmer regions:

  1. Year-Round Harvesting: In South Florida, asparagus can be grown and harvested year-round. Let the plants grow the first year to establish strong roots, then start harvesting small spears the second year, allowing the rest to grow into ferns. As the plants mature, you can continue to harvest while letting some spears grow into ferns to nourish the crowns.
  2. Maintenance: Even in warmer climates, it's important to mulch, water deeply, and fertilize annually to maintain a productive asparagus bed.

Common Asparagus Pests and Problems

  • Asparagus Beetles: These pests can be a major problem, especially during the growing season. Regularly inspect the ferns and spears for signs of beetle activity (small larvae and black spots on spears). Use organic insecticides or manually remove/squish beetles when needed.
  • Fungal Diseases: In wetter climates, asparagus can be prone to fungal diseases such as rust and fusarium wilt. Ensure good air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and remove any affected ferns or spears promptly.
  • Root Rot: Asparagus is susceptible to root rot, especially in poorly-drained soil. Ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.

Tips for a Long-Lasting Asparagus Bed

  • Patience is Key: Asparagus takes a few years to become fully established, but once it does, it will produce for decades with minimal care. The longer you let it grow without harvesting, the stronger and more productive the bed will be.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keep the bed free of weeds, pests, and diseases to ensure long-term productivity. Regularly fertilize and mulch to maintain healthy growth.
  • Rotation: If pests or diseases become a major problem, consider rotating the asparagus to a new bed after 10-15 years.

Conclusion

Asparagus is a low-maintenance, long-term investment in your garden. With patience and the right care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown asparagus for decades. Whether grown in a vegetable garden or as an ornamental addition to your flower beds, asparagus offers both beauty and bounty to your garden. Happy gardening!


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