Asparagus

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How to grow: Growing Asparagus

Pest management: Pests and Disorders of Asparagus

The Basics

Asparagus is a perennial plant that can produce for years if grown with care. Choose a site in full sun and prepare the soil well. The plants send up 5-foot tall, ferny growth over the summer, so plant them where they won't undesirably shade other plants.

Asparagus plants will be either male or female. The female plants produce seeds which consume energy from the plant. Newer, hybrid varieties, have been developed to be primarily or all male plants, thereby increasing yield.

When to plant

• Plant crowns October–November or January–March.
• Direct seeding is difficult, so it is recommended to transplant 1-year old crowns.

Harvest window

• Do not harvest the first two years and only harvest lightly the third year. The energy of the plants needs to be directed to root development so the plants can get well established before they are harvested regularly.
• Once plants are established, harvest shoots for a few weeks in the early spring as new ones emerge. Cut spears with a sharp knife at the soil line.
• Stop harvesting when spears are thinner than a pencil.

Care overview

• Allow the ferns to grow over the summer to replenish the roots, then prune to the ground when they turn brown (or in January).
• Support ferns on a trellis to save garden space.
• Water deeply, long enough to wet the soil several feet deep. Avoid wetting foliage and spears if possible.
• For white asparagus, simply cover the spears with soil to blanch them as they grow. Cutting off their light supply prevents chlorophyll from developing and will keep them white.

More links

• Asparagus: Spears for Years, UC Master Gardeners of Marin County

Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

Mary Washington, UC 157, UC 72 (seed or crown)

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.