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Asparagus planting advice

#1 · 3rd July 2023, 1:42 pm

I have just bought 100 asparagus crowns the border is not ready for them and won’t be for 2-3weeks, will I be best to refrigerate them or put them into pots temporarily ?

#2 · 4th July 2023, 6:49 am

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 4th July 2023, 6:49 am
Hi @samhart
Thanks for your question. Asparagus is a wonder plant to grow, harvest and eat but it does take some patience. Most asparagus crowns take at least 3 years of growth before you can harvest them.
I'd get them in pots outside ASAP and then in the ground. The longer they spend in temporary accommodation to more they will degrade and struggle. Don't refrigerate them. It will confuse them and cause more stress. Ensure they are in rich soil and water them well whilst they establish, then count down until 2026 when you can make your first harvest!
How to grow Asparagus from crowns?
Choose the right time: The best time to plant asparagus crowns is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This allows the crowns to establish themselves before the growing season begins.
Select a suitable location: Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be rich in organic matter ie peat free compost or leaf mould and have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Prepare the soil: Asparagus prefers loose, fertile soil. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the planting area. Dig a trench that is about 12-18 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep. Mix in compost or aged manure to improve the soil's nutrient content.
Soak the crowns: Before planting, soak the asparagus crowns in water for about 30 minutes. This helps to rehydrate them and promote better establishment. This is a key step!!
Plant the crowns: Place the asparagus crowns in the prepared trench, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Spread the roots out evenly and make sure the crown is facing upward. Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil.
Gradually fill the trench: As the asparagus plants grow, gradually fill in the trench with soil, leaving a few inches of the green shoots exposed. Continue this process over a few weeks until the trench is completely filled, ensuring that the plants are well-supported.
Water and mulch: After planting, water the asparagus crowns thoroughly to settle the soil. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Care and maintenance: Keep the asparagus bed well-watered, especially during dry periods. Remove any weeds that compete with the plants for nutrients and water. In the first year, avoid harvesting any spears to allow the crowns to develop a strong root system. In subsequent years, harvest the spears when they reach 6-8 inches tall by cutting them at ground level.
https://youtu.be/4WIDSCJ4o6M
Remember that asparagus is a perennial plant, and with proper care, it can produce abundant harvests for up to 15 years or more.
When to harvest or cut asparagus?
Asparagus is harvested for about 2 months or eight weeks in spring and early summer. This is a bonus as its when little else is cropping.
Happy growing Sam!

Hi @samhart

Thanks for your question. Asparagus is a wonder plant to grow, harvest and eat but it does take some patience. Most asparagus crowns take at least 3 years of growth before you can harvest them.

I'd get them in pots outside ASAP and then in the ground. The longer they spend in temporary accommodation to more they will degrade and struggle. Don't refrigerate them. It will confuse them and cause more stress. Ensure they are in rich soil and water them well whilst they establish, then count down until 2026 when you can make your first harvest!

How to grow Asparagus from crowns?

Choose the right time: The best time to plant asparagus crowns is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This allows the crowns to establish themselves before the growing season begins.
Select a suitable location: Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be rich in organic matter ie peat free compost or leaf mould and have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
Prepare the soil: Asparagus prefers loose, fertile soil. Start by removing any weeds or grass from the planting area. Dig a trench that is about 12-18 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep. Mix in compost or aged manure to improve the soil's nutrient content.
Soak the crowns: Before planting, soak the asparagus crowns in water for about 30 minutes. This helps to rehydrate them and promote better establishment. This is a key step!!
Plant the crowns: Place the asparagus crowns in the prepared trench, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Spread the roots out evenly and make sure the crown is facing upward. Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of soil.
Gradually fill the trench: As the asparagus plants grow, gradually fill in the trench with soil, leaving a few inches of the green shoots exposed. Continue this process over a few weeks until the trench is completely filled, ensuring that the plants are well-supported.
Water and mulch: After planting, water the asparagus crowns thoroughly to settle the soil. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Care and maintenance: Keep the asparagus bed well-watered, especially during dry periods. Remove any weeds that compete with the plants for nutrients and water. In the first year, avoid harvesting any spears to allow the crowns to develop a strong root system. In subsequent years, harvest the spears when they reach 6-8 inches tall by cutting them at ground level.

Remember that asparagus is a perennial plant, and with proper care, it can produce abundant harvests for up to 15 years or more.

When to harvest or cut asparagus?

Asparagus is harvested for about 2 months or eight weeks in spring and early summer. This is a bonus as its when little else is cropping.

Happy growing Sam!

#3 · 11th October 2023, 9:38 am

Hi Lee

Thanks for the advice, just an update. I potted them up and have transferred in the raised beds a couple of months ago, they are now thriving and looking happy. Many thanks

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