Table of Contents
It’s recommended that you start asparagus seeds indoors or in a greenhouse in mid-February to May under bright lighting. Soil temperatures for seed germination should be between 70 and 85 degrees F. (21-29 C.).
What month is best to 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.
How long does asparagus take to grow 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.
Can I direct sow asparagus seeds?
Asparagus seed can also be direct sowed when the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees F. Plant seeds 3/4 to one inch deep. Gently firm the soil and keep it evenly moist while the seeds germinate. Seedlings can emerge in 10 to 14 days when the soil temperature is 75 degrees F.
When can I plant asparagus outside?
Plant asparagus crowns in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Many gardeners plant at about the same time as potatoes go in the ground.
Where is a good place to plant asparagus?
Asparagus plants have deep root systems. Avoid areas with shallow soils, or soils prone to water-saturation. If the asparagus bed is to be part of a larger vegetable garden, the best place is at the north end of the garden, so that the tall ferns do not shade the other crops.
Does asparagus need full sun?
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. Soil – The crown and root system can grow to an enormous size: 5 to 6 feet in diameter and 10 to 15 feet deep.
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.
How quickly does asparagus grow?
How long does asparagus take to grow? A single row of 10-12 plants will start to produce a decent crop after two years. You won’t be able to harvest your asparagus for the first two years after planting.
Is asparagus hard to grow?
Not only is it easy to grow and maintain but it’s a perennial crop as well. So with one year of planting, you can set yourself up for years and years of future harvests. In fact, a single planting of asparagus crowns can keep on producing for 20 years or more.
Should I soak my asparagus seeds before planting?
Some seeds can take as much as 8 weeks to germinate. That’s one reason why the seeds need to be started so early in the spring. Pre-soaking the seeds in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting can help speed germination, but it’s not strictly necessary.
How do you plant asparagus seeds?
They should be planted straight away, ideally in March. Plant them a dedicated asparagus bed, rather than mixing them with other crops. It’s best to choose a planting site in full sun, but asparagus will also tolerate dappled shade. Most soil types are suitable, as long as they are well drained.
Do asparagus seeds need to be stratified?
Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before the last frost date. Seed germination rates can be improved by exposing seeds to cold, moist temperatures for 4-6 weeks prior to planting (cold stratification). Cold stratification can be done inside a refrigerator. Sow seeds 1/2” deep and 4-6” apart.
Are coffee grounds good for asparagus?
Stocking up on coffee grounds for your vegetables, sowing peas, and planting asparagus are some of the spring activities for this year’s vegetable garden. Coffee grounds contain some major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as some micronutrients, so put them to work in your garden.
What do you do with asparagus in the spring?
The first chore in the spring is to cut off the dead asparagus tops at ground level. Early spring is also an excellent time to fertilize the asparagus planting. Apply 50 pounds of barnyard manure per 100 square feet. Lightly till the manure into the top 2 or 3 inches of soil with a rototiller or spade.
Will asparagus spread on its own?
Yes, asparagus plants will spread as they grow. From humble beginnings (seeds or small crowns), asparagus plants can grow quite tall and wide. Asparagus spears may start off small, but they can grow several feet tall!.
What can you not plant near asparagus?
There are two main crops to avoid growing alongside asparagus: Alliums. Alliums like leeks, garlic, and onion sharing the soil with asparagus are said to stunt its growth. Potatoes. Asparagus, on the other hand, stunts the growth of potatoes when they share the same space.
Can you grow asparagus in a raised bed?
By planting the asparagus crowns in a raised bed with a soil mix that includes loamy, organic matter, you can ensure good drainage. Another reason to plant asparagus in a raised bed is because it is a perennial crop and can remain productive for 10 to 12 years.
Can you grow asparagus in pots?
Asparagus will grow perfectly well in containers and pots, so long as you meet the growing requirements for asparagus. Compost should be fertile and well-drained. The spot you choose to site your asparagus pot should be sunny and sheltered from the wind.
