🌿 Asparagus: Growing Guide
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 5–29 °C (41–84 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 730+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Asparagus officinalis |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 5–29 °C (41–84 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 730+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Height | 100–150 cm (39–59 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–Jun.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–May.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering.
Growing tips
Perennial. First harvest after 2–3 years. Produces for 20+ years.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Asparagus: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Asparagus: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Regular watering.
Asparagus: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 15 cm (5.9 in).
Asparagus: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 730+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Asparagus: which plants grow well with it?
Parsley, Tomato, Basil.
Asparagus: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Asparagus beetle.
Plan your garden
Add Asparagus to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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