When to Plant Asparagus Seeds

Depending on the temperature of the soil, it can take asparagus seeds up to two months to germinate. Time the planting to be ready to transplant the shoots 10 to 12 weeks later. The best time to plant the shoots into your perennial bed is in early spring, after all danger of frost has passed.

Where to Plant Asparagus Seeds

Though it takes 3 years to harvest from seed, once established, the asparagus plant is long-lived and loyal, staying in the garden for 15 years or longer. Because of this, choose your asparagus planting site wisely! Asparagus plants like full sun, in well-drained soil.

How to Plant Asparagus Seeds

Asparagus seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.

It’s best to start your asparagus seeds in flats, planting 1” deep. Keep asparagus beds well weeded and cut plants back to 1″ in autumn and mulch with organic matter. Asparagus is a perennial that needs a cold period for dormancy.

How to Harvest Asparagus

Begin the asparagus harvest when plants are 3 years old and fully developed. Cut spears slightly below soil level being careful not to damage underground spears on their way up. Harvest when spears are 8-10” tall and about the diameter of a pencil. Catch them before the buds begin to feather out, by that time it’s too late to harvest.