Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus

The key to good asparagus production is well-prepared, deeply dug beds with lots of organic matter.

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The Growing Guide

Soil Temp for Germ 65–80°F
Seed Depth ¼"
Days to Emergence 10–25
Soil Temp for Transplant 40–45°F
Plant Spacing 10–15"
Row Spacing 3–6'
Hardiness Zone Listed per variety
Fertilizer Needs High
Minimum Germination 75%
Seeds per Gram N/A
Seed Life 3 years

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More About The Seeds & Plants

Asparagus Pests

Asparagus Beetles Small, colorful beetles that chew asparagus spears and foliage.
Slugs Slimy, soft-bodied pests that eat plant leaves.

* Numbers indicate specific disease race.

More About

Asparagus officinalis

Culture
• Asparagus plants are dioecious, meaning there are both male & female plants
• Male plants produce thicker, larger spears
• Female plants produce small berries
• Asparagus is a hardy perennial
• The key to good production is well-prepared, deeply dug beds with lots of organic matter
• Fertilize beds early in the spring and after harvest with 1–2 cups of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet
• Keep beds moist

Direct Sowing
• Not recommended

Transplanting
• Start transplants 60–90 days before your last frost
• Transplant seedlings after the danger of frost

Asparagus Root Crowns
• Plant your 1 year old crowns shortly after you receive them
• Crowns can be transplanted 4–6 weeks before last frost
• Dig a 4–6 inch trench; create a hill in the center
• Drape roots over the hill; cover roots with soil
• Fill in trench as asparagus grows
• Complete instructions are included

Insects & Diseases
• Common pests: Asparagus beetles and slugs
• Pest control: Pyrethrin, slug traps or bait
• Common diseases: Rust, Fusarium wilt, Fusarium stem and crown rot
• Disease prevention: Maintaining good plant vigor

Harvest & Storage
• A moderate 2–3 week harvest can be expected from crowns in 2–3 years. Do not harvest for the first 1-2 years to allow the crowns to be fully established.
• Check your plant frequently for harvest-ready spears so you don’t miss the harvest window. • • Spears develop quickly and will become woody if left in the ground too long.
• Harvest spears when they're 6–10 inches tall and ½-¾” thick , cutting them off about 1 inch below soil surface.
• Store at 36°F and 100% relative humidity. Place upright in water for longevity.
• To maintain perennial bed, leave smaller spears to mature into ferns, which will regenerate the plant.
• With each successive year, your plant productivity and harvest window will increase. Mature, established plants may produce for up to 8 weeks.

Staff Picks

Our Favorite Asparagus

Walker Deluxe Asparagus earns our “Employee Favorite” title for its exceptional flavor, vigorous growth, and dependable yields. It produces thick, tender spears year after year and thrives in a wide range of climates. Walker Deluxe Asparagus is a reliable, delicious choice for both home gardeners and seasoned growers alike.

Close-up of Walker Deluxe asparagus spears showing tight green heads with purplish tips on a white textured background

Walker Deluxe Asparagus Crowns

Vegetable | asparagus crown

From $42.95

Walker Deluxe is a stellar upgrade to the famous and beloved variety Jersey Giant! It has truly impressed us with its outstanding yields of delicious, tender asparagus. A premium all-male hybrid that thrives in both cool and warm climates, offering a reliable harvest of tight-headed spears that boast a vibrant green color with a purplish-green tip. This hardy crop exhibits good resistance to Fusarium and rust. Whether for fresh eating, processing, or freezing, it delivers superb quality, making it a versatile choice for any gardener. Hardy to zone 3.

Asparagus crowns are male, 1 year old and ship in March or April. The crowns are inspected by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and are free of Fusarium. Please order early for best availability. Available only within the contiguous US.