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How to Grow Asparagus

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

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Supplies You'll Need

Seed Starting Trays Seed Starting Mix Grow Lights Heat Mat Raised Garden Bed Vegetable Garden Soil Hand Trowel Set Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Asparagus officinalis
Category vegetable
Days to Maturity 730 days
Starting Method Start Indoors

Growing Requirements

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Regular

Germination

8-21 days

Ready to Grow Asparagus?

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Seed Saving Guide

Moderate
Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow red berries to ripen fully on female plants in late summer/fall.

Processing

Mash berries to release seeds, rinse, dry flat for 2 weeks.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Asparagus is dioecious — only female plants produce berries. Male plants produce more spears, so save seed selectively.

Seed Storage Supplies

Seed Envelopes Mylar Storage Bags Silica Gel Packets Seed Organizer

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Asparagus Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Asparagus Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Asparagus? +

Start Asparagus seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.

How long does Asparagus take to grow? +

Asparagus is a long-lived plant — expect the first real harvest about 2 years after planting, once established.

Should I start Asparagus indoors or direct sow? +

Asparagus should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.

How much sun does Asparagus need? +

Asparagus requires full sun to thrive.

How much water does Asparagus need? +

Asparagus has regular water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Asparagus? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Asparagus is rated moderate. Allow red berries to ripen fully on female plants in late summer/fall. Mash berries to release seeds, rinse, dry flat for 2 weeks.

How long do Asparagus seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Asparagus seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Asparagus seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Asparagus is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Asparagus

Asparagus is a spring vegetable and a flowering perennial plant. Asparagus is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, and is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop.

Expect your Asparagus to be ready for harvest in approximately 730 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.