Start by choosing a sunny location that gets six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Test your soil pH level—aim for somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5. This matters because asparagus grows best in soil within that range.
Next, decide between two planting methods. Crowns are plant sections that mature faster, giving you harvests in about two years. Seeds cost less but take longer, typically producing spears by year three. Pick whichever fits your budget and timeline.
When you plant crowns, space them twelve inches apart in the ground. Cover them with soil and then wait. Don’t harvest anything during the first year. The plants need that time to develop strong roots and establish themselves properly. After you get through that first year of waiting, you’ll be able to harvest for the next twenty years or so.
Step 1: Select a Full-Sun Bed and Test Your Soil pH
Before you plant a single asparagus crown, choose your location carefully and understand what’s in your soil. Pick a full sun bed that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and won’t shade nearby plants. Asparagus needs maximum sunlight to produce well.
Asparagus thrives in full sun locations receiving 6-8 hours of direct daily sunlight without shading nearby plants.
Next, conduct a soil test to check your pH level. You can get this done through your local cooperative extension office or use a home test kit. Asparagus grows best in soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
If your soil is too acidic—below 6.5—add lime to raise the pH. Follow the amounts recommended by your soil test results, usually measured in pounds per 100 square feet. Work the lime into the top 8 inches of soil several weeks before planting.
Check your soil temperature as well. Wait until it reaches about 50°F before planting crowns. In most areas, this happens in early spring. You can use a soil thermometer to measure this accurately. Getting these basics right from the start means your asparagus bed will produce well for 15-20 years.
Step 2: Decide Between Crowns or Seeds Before Planting
When you’re ready to plant asparagus, you need to decide between crowns or seeds. Each option has real differences in timing and effort.
Crowns are one-year-old roots with buds already formed. They let you harvest in about two years. If you buy a pack of 25 crowns, you can expect around 20 pounds of spears each year once they start producing. Most gardeners pick crowns because they want faster results and don’t want to wait as long.
Seeds take more work upfront. You’ll need to start them 12 to 14 weeks before planting outdoors. They need grow lights and soil kept between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If you go this route, you won’t harvest until year three. Seeds cost less money, but you’re looking at a longer wait.
If budget matters more than time, seeds can work fine. Just buy seeds from a reliable source so they’re free of disease and actually able to grow. Look for hybrid or all-male varieties like Jersey types. These varieties handle disease better and produce more spears than regular varieties.
Step 3: Plant Asparagus and Care for It Through Year Two
Now that you’ve chosen between crowns and seeds, it’s time to plant your asparagus. Space crowns 12 inches apart in rows that are 3 feet apart. Cover them with 2 inches of soil at first. As the spears start to emerge, gradually add 3 more inches of soil over time until the crown sits about 6 inches below the surface.
Before planting, soak your crowns briefly—no longer than one hour. This prevents the roots from becoming brittle, but extended soaking will cause rot.
| Year | Watering | Weed Control | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 1-2 inches weekly | Mulch heavily | None |
| Year 2 | 1-2 inches weekly | Shallow cultivation | 1-2 spears per plant |
| Year 2+ | 1 inch weekly | Maintain mulch | Full harvest |
During your first year, don’t harvest anything. Let your bed settle and your weed control work establish strong crowns underneath the soil.
In year two, pick only 1 to 2 spears per plant over a 3 to 4 week period. Keep watering at 1 to 2 inches per week and maintain your mulch layer. Consistent moisture and good weed control support the root system as it develops. After this second year, your asparagus bed will be ready for full harvests in the seasons ahead.
