Want to grow a vegetable that keeps on giving, year after year, with hardly any fuss? Meet asparagus—one of the most rewarding perennial vegetables you can grow. Once you get it started, this hardy crop can provide fresh, homegrown spears every spring for two decades or more.
Sound too good to be true? Stick around—we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plant asparagus once and keep the harvests coming for decades.
Why Asparagus Is the Ultimate Perennial Vegetable
Most veggies are annuals. You plant them, harvest them, then start over the next season. Asparagus breaks that cycle. Once established, a well-cared-for asparagus patch can produce tender spears every spring for 15–30 years with minimal effort.
Here’s what makes asparagus so special:
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It’s perennial – One planting lasts for decades
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Low maintenance – After the first couple of years, it mostly takes care of itself
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Early harvest – It’s one of the first crops ready in spring
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Delicious and nutritious – Packed with fiber, folate, and antioxidants
When and Where to Plant Asparagus
✅ Best Time to Plant
Early spring is the perfect time to plant asparagus. As soon as the ground can be worked and danger of hard frost has passed, you’re good to go. In colder zones, that’s usually March to April. In warmer zones, February might be ideal.
✅ Ideal Location
Asparagus loves:
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Full sun – At least 6–8 hours daily
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Well-drained soil – Soggy roots will rot
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Neutral to slightly acidic pH – Around 6.5–7.0
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A permanent spot – Choose a dedicated area, since asparagus stays put for decades
Should You Plant Seeds or Crowns?
You can grow asparagus from seed, but that takes patience. It’s much quicker and more reliable to plant 1-year-old asparagus crowns (young root systems). They’re widely available at garden centers and online.
Pros of Planting Crowns:
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Faster harvest—usually by the 2nd or 3rd year
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Less risk of weeds competing
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Easier for beginners
How to Plant Asparagus (Step-by-Step)
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Prepare the Bed
Dig a trench 12–18 inches wide and 6–8 inches deep. Space trenches 3 feet apart if planting more than one row. -
Amend the Soil
Mix in compost or aged manure to boost fertility. Add some bone meal or rock phosphate to promote strong root growth. -
Place the Crowns
Spread out each crown’s roots like an octopus and place it in the trench, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. -
Cover with Soil Gradually
Cover the crowns with 2–3 inches of soil. As the shoots grow, continue to add soil every couple of weeks until the trench is filled. -
Water Well
Keep the bed moist (not soggy) as the plants establish.
First-Year Rules: Look, But Don’t Touch
We know it’s tempting to harvest those early shoots, but resist the urge during year one. Let the plants focus on building strong root systems. Cutting too early weakens future harvests.
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Year 1 – Let all spears grow into ferns
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Year 2 – You can harvest lightly for 2–3 weeks
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Year 3+ – Full harvest for 6–8 weeks every spring
Caring for Your Asparagus Patch Long-Term
Once established, asparagus is practically carefree. Just give it a little love:
Spring:
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Harvest daily or every few days while spears are tender (6–8 inches tall)
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Stop harvesting when spears get thinner than a pencil
Summer:
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Let remaining spears grow into tall, feathery ferns
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Fertilize lightly with compost or balanced fertilizer
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Water during dry spells
Fall:
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Wait until ferns turn brown, then cut them back to ground level
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Mulch heavily to insulate roots through winter
Common Pests and Problems
Asparagus is pretty tough, but here’s what to watch for:
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Asparagus beetles – Handpick or spray with neem oil
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Rust disease – Avoid overhead watering; space plants well
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Weeds – Mulch well to prevent competition
Bonus Tips for Bigger, Better Harvests
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Start with quality crowns – Look for fat, healthy root systems
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Don’t overcrowd – Give each plant room to grow
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Feed in spring and fall – Compost is gold for asparagus
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Rotate nothing – This isn’t a crop to move around. Pick a forever spot.
Final Thoughts: Plant It Once, Enjoy It for Decades
Asparagus is a garden investment that truly pays off. A little work up front leads to years—if not decades—of delicious, fresh spears each spring. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, asparagus is a smart, sustainable choice you won’t regret.
So grab a few crowns, dig that trench, and plant your future harvests today. You’ll thank yourself every spring for the next 20+ years!