Asparagus Growing Guide
Asparagaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 2 | Apr 27 | — | Apr 27 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 2 | Apr 27 | — | Apr 27 |
| Zone 2a | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 2 | Apr 27 | — | Apr 27 |
| Zone 3a | Feb 27 | Apr 24 | — | Apr 24 |
| Zone 3b | Feb 20 | Apr 17 | — | Apr 17 |
| Zone 4a | Feb 10 | Apr 7 | — | Apr 7 |
| Zone 4b | Feb 6 | Apr 3 | — | Apr 3 |
| Zone 5a | Feb 3 | Mar 31 | — | Mar 31 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 3 | Mar 31 | — | Mar 31 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 3 | Mar 31 | — | Mar 31 |
| Zone 6b | Jan 21 | Mar 18 | — | Mar 18 |
| Zone 7a | Jan 21 | Mar 18 | — | Mar 18 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 16 | Mar 13 | — | Mar 13 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 11 | Mar 8 | — | Mar 8 |
| Zone 8b | Dec 28 | Feb 22 | — | Feb 22 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 26 | Feb 20 | — | Feb 20 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 16 | Feb 10 | — | Feb 10 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 28 | Jan 23 | — | Jan 23 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 5 | Dec 31 | — | Dec 31 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 5 | Dec 31 | — | Dec 31 |
| Zone 11b | Oct 23 | Dec 18 | — | Dec 18 |
| Zone 12a | Oct 9 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
| Zone 12b | Oct 9 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
| Zone 13a | Oct 9 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
| Zone 13b | Oct 9 | Dec 4 | — | Dec 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Asparagus?
Asparagus takes approximately 730 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Asparagus need?
Asparagus requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Asparagus?
Plant Asparagus at 18/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Asparagus survive frost?
Asparagus is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
What are good companion plants for Asparagus?
Good companion plants for Asparagus include Parsley, Calendula, Basil, Tomatoes, Garlic. Avoid planting near Onions, Potatoes.
How long does Asparagus take to germinate?
Asparagus seeds germinate in 14-21 days at an optimal temperature of 75°F.
When should I start Asparagus seeds indoors?
Start Asparagus seeds indoors 12 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -4 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Plant crowns in a trench 6-8 inches deep with compost
- Do not harvest for the first two years to let roots establish
- Top-dress with compost and balanced fertilizer each spring
Common Pests & Diseases
- Asparagus beetle
- Fusarium crown rot
- Rust
Harvest Notes
Snap or cut spears at ground level when 6-8 inches tall and tips are still tight. Stop harvesting when spear diameter drops below pencil-width.
Plan Your Asparagus Garden
Track Asparagus from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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