Asparagus spears are straight shoots with scale-like tips.  Although green varieties are most commonly grown, there are also many purple varieties. Shoots continue emerging from the soil throughout the spring, but as the weather warms, shoots become spindly and should be left to grow into mature fern-like foliage. 

Asparagus is a spring crop, preferring cooler temperatures and full sun.  Plants can be started from seed about 4 weeks before the last expected frost.  More commonly they are grown from crowns, which are the one-year-old base and roots of the plants.  These are planted in a trench with the roots spread out over fairly rich mounded soil.  The trench is gradually filled in as the plants grow. 

Plants should be watered regularly, especially while young.  It takes about three years for plants to mature enough for harvesting.  Prior to that plants should be allowed to grow and feed themselves.  In the third year, begin harvesting spears that are finger-sized and about 8” long.  You can either snap off the spears or cut them with a knife.  Harvest for about 4 weeks the first year.  In subsequent years you can harvest until the weather warms and the spears look spindly.  Then allow the foliage to grow and feed the plants.

The mature asparagus plant is approximately 5’ tall and 3’ wide. 

For any questions you have on this article, or any topic of concern, email us—or better yet, come by and talk to one of our professional staff members.  Remember, Phelan Gardens is open year-round!     

For additional information, check the following links:

• Growing Asparagus In The Home Garden
• Growing Asparagus