Asparagus is a delicious and healthy addition to any vegetable garden. However, timing is critical when it comes to getting a good harvest from this perennial favorite. So is it ever too late to plant asparagus? Let’s explore the best times and techniques for planting asparagus.
Why Spring is the Ideal Time to Plant Asparagus
Spring is hands down the optimal time for planting asparagus crowns or roots. Early to mid spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, is ideal. This gives the plants time to establish before summer arrives.
Planting in spring reduces the risk of frost damage. Young asparagus plants are established and hardy when winter hits.
Late spring can be too late in some regions. As temperatures rise significantly in late May and June, asparagus suffers from transplant shock. Focus on keeping roots cool if planting late spring.
Fall Planting Has Risks
While planting asparagus in early fall is an option where winters are mild, it does carry risks. Cutting back ferns too early in fall weakens plants before dormancy. Late fall transplanting when plants are dormant is safer.
If fall planting, allow ferns to brown after a light frost before disturbing. Mulch heavily for winter protection.
Growing Conditions Impact Success
Even if planting timing is right providing the proper growing conditions gives asparagus the best chance of thriving
- Full sun
- Loose, well-draining soil
- Amend soil with compost or manure
- Plant crowns in 8 inch deep trenches, 2 inches below soil
- Space crowns 12-18 inches apart
- Consistent moisture, especially when establishing
- Avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease
- Mulch to maintain optimal soil temperature
Container Growing Requires Care
Growing asparagus in containers is possible but challenging. Use at least a 20 inch deep pot and monitor soil moisture closely. Move pot to a sheltered location in winter.
From Crowns to Harvest Takes Patience
Asparagus is slow growing, taking 3 years to reach full maturity. Don’t harvest the first year. Harvest lightly year 2. Full harvests commence in year 3.
Some newer varieties mature a bit quicker if you want earlier spears.
Common Questions on Asparagus Planting
Is early June too late to plant asparagus?
In most regions, yes. Late spring heat shocks roots. Wait for cooler fall weather.
What is the best month to plant asparagus?
March to early May, when soil reaches 50F.
Can you plant asparagus in summer?
It’s risky. Heat stresses plants and they need cool weather to establish before dormancy.
Is September too late for asparagus?
Plant at least 8-10 weeks before first fall frost for roots to develop.
How late can you plant asparagus?
In mild winter climates, plant through early fall. In cooler regions, spring or early fall only.
Conclusion
Timing is key when it comes to a successful asparagus patch. For best results, plant crowns or roots in early to mid spring once frost danger has passed. Provide optimal growing conditions and be patient – you’ll be rewarded with years of harvest from a small initial investment!
All About Harvesting Asparagus
When I was a little kid I remember stopping on the side of the road with my dad to pick some wild asparagus. At the time I didn’t like asparagus or value the fact that we could pick asparagus for dinner from the side of the road. As I have aged and my taste in food has matured I do enjoy asparagus cooked, roasted, steamed and mixed in with other foods likes eggs and mushrooms. I have also talked to friends about how there used to be wild asparagus growing in certain parts of southeastern Wisconsin, but it is not nearly as common as it was 30 some years ago. Since wild asparagus is not as common my dad now grows his own asparagus. My parents don’t have the largest yard to dedicate to a whole patch of asparagus, so he planted asparagus crowns throughout my mom’s perennial garden (good thing she too likes asparagus). It was almost 7 years ago that he planted the asparagus crowns, and for the last couple of years I usually am gifted at least one meal of asparagus in spring!
Let me tell you – it is definitely worth growing your own asparagus if you enjoy this fresh spring green vegetable! If you don’t know where to start but want to try to grow your own asparagus continue reading…
How to Grow Asparagus 101:
The first place to start is to know what form of asparagus you will be planting. Asparagus can either be grown from a potted plant or by planting asparagus crowns. Asparagus crowns are the dormant root portion of the asparagus plants. Planting asparagus by crowns is the most common and affordable way to plant asparagus on your property.
Mary Washington Asparagus is one of the oldest and most popular varieties of asparagus crowns. Mary Washington is a mix of male and female plants. The male plants produce the spears and the female plants produce the seeds. These are reliable varieties but are less vigorous than varieties that are mostly male plants. Varieties like Jersey Giant Asparagus are made of male plants, and therefore will produce more vigorous spears and plants.
Planting asparagus by crowns should be done in spring, as early as you can dig into the ground. My dad planted his asparagus in June in Wisconsin, and had great success, so if you aren’t able to plant right away in spring no need to worry; you still have some time. However, you will want to plant before the soil and air temperatures are too warm in your area.
Once your asparagus plants are established they will live a long time, as they are perennial in nature and easy to grow. Therefore choosing the ideal planting location is important for optimal growth. Asparagus plants like a sunny location that receives 8-10 hours of sun per day. Soil that drains well is also important to the growth of your asparagus plants. If your soil does not drain well, you will want to amend with organic matter such as compost or peat humus to increase the drainage and nutrients in the soil.
A good rule of thumb is 10 crowns per every family member in your home that eats asparagus. 1 asparagus crown can produce up to ½ lb of asparagus during the growing season.
Dig a trench 6” deep and 15” wide the entire length of the planting area. Plant each crown about 12” apart with the buds facing up. Spread the root portion of the crown out so they can continue to grow down and out for a healthy root system. Backfill over the roots and planting area with about 2” of fresh soil. Water the planting area after planting to allow the soil to settle and provide moisture for the roots. If you are like my dad and don’t have a whole garden area you can dedicate to the asparagus plants, you can certainly mix them in with other perennials and annuals. You may just have to really enjoy the fern-like foliage that appears late in summer
Asparagus should not be harvested until after the 3rd year after planting. Harvesting too early will results in spindly plants with poor root systems. When the time comes to harvest the asparagus you will want the plants to be at least 6-8” tall. Asparagus can be harvested from May through June.