Crop Guide – Asparagus
Common Name Asparagus
Scientific Name Asparagus officinalis
Uses Edible; Good for grilling, steaming and roasting
Crop Timeline
- Plant dormant, two-year-old crowns in winter, between mid-January and mid-March
Planting tips
- Choose a full sun location.
- Use the trench method to plant. Dig a trench 6 to 7 inches deep and 12 to 18 inches wide. Set crowns 5 to 8 inches apart and cover with 2 inches of soil. As the plants grow, continue to cover with 2 inches of soil as needed until crowns are 8 inches deep. If planted in rows, space rows at least 5 feet apart to reduce disease and increase yield.
- Keep plantings well watered during the first year.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize in late winter and then again after harvest in May. Potassium is a primary need for asparagus.
- Number of plants per square foot: 1
- Growing structures: None
- Frost protection: None
Harvest
- Expect to harvest spears lightly in year 2 and 3 for about 2 weeks. In year 4 and beyond, expect to harvest for 6-8 weeks.
- Cut spears at ground level when they are 6-8” tall.
- After the harvest is over, allow stalks to grow without cutting. This is an important stage in the life cycle called fern growth.
Pests
- No significant pests