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Starting Asparagus From Seed Asparagus seeds grow best when soils are between 77 and 86 degrees. If you plan to sow seeds directly in the garden, you can check the soil temperature with a soil thermometer. Plant the seeds between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch deep in drills. Space rows about 18 inches apart.
How do you plant asparagus seeds?
Sow asparagus seeds indoors eight to 12 weeks before transplanting outside after the risk of frost has passed. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in a sterile seed mix. Place the tray or pots in a sunny, warm location and keep the soil moist. Germination may take 14 to 21 days or longer.
How long does it take to grow asparagus from seed?
Asparagus seeds can take 21 days — and even far longer — to germinate. A savvy gardener knows to not give up because young shoots may be about to emerge. The seedlings themselves require several weeks to reach two inches in height, the size right for transplanting into a growing bed.
What month do you plant asparagus?
Plant asparagus in spring or fall in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Asparagus takes a few seasons to mature but will reap a harvest for 15 to 30 years, so choose a planting location that will go undisturbed for a long time.
When should I start asparagus seeds?
Taking three weeks to germinate and slow to get going, the asparagus seeds should be sown indoors 12 to 14 weeks before the target seedling set-out date, which should be after the danger of frost has passed.
How many asparagus seeds are in a hole?
Asparagus seeds are usually planted one seed per hole. If you are starting seeds, plant in 2 inches pot.
Is it hard to grow asparagus from seed?
It’s not hard to grow asparagus from seed; it just adds an extra year onto the wait period until you can begin to harvest. It takes up a lot of space, there is a lot of prep work to get the bed ready, and it requires about three years from seed to harvest before we get to taste a single spear.
When can asparagus be planted outside?
Asparagus plants can be started from seed by planting them indoors about eight weeks before the last frost date in your area or directly into the garden outdoors three weeks before the last frost date. If you plant the seed directly into the garden bed, be sure that soil temperatures are at 77 degrees or higher.
Can you direct sow asparagus seeds?
Starting Asparagus From Seed Asparagus seeds grow best when soils are between 77 and 86 degrees. If you plan to sow seeds directly in the garden, you can check the soil temperature with a soil thermometer. Plant the seeds between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch deep in drills. Space rows about 18 inches apart.
Does asparagus like sun or shade?
Site – Full sun is ideal. Asparagus needs at least 8 hours of sun per day. Since asparagus is a long-lived perennial, do not plant where trees or tall shrubs might eventually shade the plants or compete for nutrients and water.
Where is the best place to plant asparagus?
First and foremost, asparagus needs to be planted with the sun in mind. Select an area receiving at least 8 hours of full sunlight each day. Although asparagus will tolerate partial shade, it will thrive in full sun. In addition to adequate sunlight, overall soil quality needs to be considered before planting as well.
Does asparagus produce the first year?
The first year after planting, you can harvest a few spears from each plant. Pick for about two weeks and then stop so the fronds can unfold and begin feeding the root system. Harvest for three weeks the next year, and four to six weeks after that.
Is it hard to grow asparagus?
While the idea of growing asparagus may be overwhelming, it shouldn’t be: Asparagus is a great starting point because it’s one of the few perennial vegetables that’ll grow fresh spears year after year with little space and effort.
Does asparagus multiply?
When asparagus plants are growing in a sunny site with good drainage, proper irrigation, and adequate nutrients, the plants multiply and become crowded over time. The ability of asparagus plants to multiply means that sharing the bounty is part of the fun of growing this perennial vegetable.
How often do you water asparagus?
Water. Asparagus needs regular watering, especially while young; give it 1 to 2 inches of water per week during its first two growing seasons; give older plants about 1 inch per week. If you give them a good start when you first plant them, and you’ll have fewer problems in future years.
When should I burn my asparagus?
As soon as the field is passable in early spring, mow or chop the old asparagus ferns with a brush hog mower or flail chopper if not chopped in the previous fall. Alternatively, they can be burned down with a controlled burn. Burning helps eliminate asparagus beetles that have overwintered in the old ferns.
