When to Plant Asparagus
Published: April 24, 2026
Perennial crop planted from crowns in early spring. Plant once, harvest for 20+ years. No harvest year one — light harvest year two — full harvest from year three onward.
When to plant asparagus
- Direct sow outdoors: 4 weeks before last frost
- Minimum soil temperature: 50°F
- Days to harvest: 730–730 days
- Sun requirement: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Spacing: 18 inches apart
- Water: 1 inches per week
- Fall crop: No — single spring/summer crop only
⚠ Plant asparagus crowns in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Plant once, harvest for 20+ years. Do not harvest first year — allow ferns to establish. Light harvest year 2, full harvest from year 3 onward.
Growing Tips for Asparagus
- •Plant one-year-old crowns in trenches 6–8 inches deep, spread roots out, and backfill gradually as ferns grow.
- •Never harvest any spears the first year; allow ferns to develop and feed the crown for year-2 production.
- •Cut back dead ferns in late fall and mulch heavily with 4–6 inches of compost or straw before winter.
- •Once established, an asparagus bed produces for 20+ years if kept weed-free and fed with compost annually.
Companion Planting for Asparagus
✅ Plant asparagus with
- • Tomato
- • Basil
- • Parsley
- • Dill
- • Marigold
❌ Avoid planting near
- • Onion
- • Garlic
- • Potato
Common Asparagus Pests and Problems
Regional pest pressure varies — see your state guide below for state-specific pest calendars and treatment timing.
Asparagus Planting Dates by State
Select your state for exact sow and transplant dates based on local frost calendars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I plant asparagus?
Plant one-year-old asparagus crowns in early spring, 4 weeks before your last frost date, as soon as soil can be worked. In Zones 3–5 this is early April; in Zones 7–8, late February to early March. Crowns can also be planted in late fall after dormancy sets in, for early spring emergence.
When can I first harvest asparagus?
Do NOT harvest any spears during year one — let all growth become ferns that feed the crown. In year two, harvest lightly for 2 weeks only (take just a few spears). From year three onward, harvest a full 6–8 week window each spring. Rushing the harvest in early years dramatically shortens the bed's productive lifespan.
How long does an asparagus bed produce?
A well-maintained asparagus bed produces for 20+ years, with some beds still producing after 40 years. The investment in the first 2–3 patient years pays off with decades of annual harvests. Keep weeds out, feed with compost annually, and replace any diseased crowns to maximize the bed's productive lifespan.
Can I grow asparagus from seed?
Seed-grown asparagus is possible but adds an extra year to first harvest (harvest begins year 4 instead of year 3). Start seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before last frost and transplant 4-inch seedlings after last frost. Most gardeners buy 1-year-old crowns to save time — crowns cost more but produce earlier.
What should I plant with asparagus?
Tomatoes and basil are classic asparagus companions — tomatoes repel asparagus beetle, and basil further deters pests. Parsley, dill, and marigolds attract beneficial insects. Avoid onion family (onions, garlic, chives) and potatoes, which compete with asparagus for root space and nutrients.