Growing Asparagus

Light | Grow asparagus in full sun. Choose a well-drained area that receives 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day.

Water | Apply 1-inch of water once per week with a slow, deep watering. Once established, asparagus is drought tolerant and requires little irrigation.

Pruning | Asparagus produces long, fern-like foliage that produces energy and food reserves for future spear production. Leave ferns standing throughout the growing season, providing support if needed. Cut ferns down to 2 inches tall in late autumn after foliage yellows.

Planting Seeds | Seeds can be sown indoors in February. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last chance of frost, around mid-May. Space 8-12 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows.

Planting Crowns | Crowns can be planted about one month prior to the last spring frost (mid to late April), in prepared, settled soil. Space 8-12 inches apart, with 3 feet between rows.

Harvesting | Harvest occurs mid-April to May, beginning at least one year after planting. Harvest spears at 6-9 inches long and at least pencil-thick. Cut spears 1-inch below soil, or snap them off near the soil surface. Stop harvesting once spears become thinner than a pencil.