Growing Asparagus for Beginners
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Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a perennial vegetable known for its tasty, edible spears produced each spring. It originated in the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia over 5,000 years ago. The word asparagus is derived from the Greek term for “shoot” or “sprout.” Asparagus, a once rare medicinal delicacy, was favored by Roman emperors, but it has now evolved into a global staple.
By the 1500s and 1600s, asparagus was recognized as a luxury food eaten by European royalty. It was brought to North America in the 1600s and farmed by the Dutch and British as early as 1655, but cultivation of asparagus remained low until the 18th century. Select breeding in the Netherlands and France eventually produced thick, juicy spears as we know them today. Asparagus was commercially cultivated in the 1850s in California, and Central Valley became one of the largest production areas in the nation.
However, the largest producer of asparagus in the United States by volume is actually Michigan. Annually, the state harvests between 20 and 29 million pounds of fresh asparagus across roughly 9,500 acres. Most of it comes from Oceana County, nicknamed the “Asparagus Capital of the World.” Washington is another state with significant asparagus production, landing between Michigan and California.
Besides its good taste, asparagus is a highly nutritious vegetable with many health benefits, earning it a spot in any garden. It’s a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins C, A, E, and K, as well as antioxidants and folate. These are essential elements that support heart health, digestive health, and combat cell-damaging free radicals.
Things to consider when growing asparagus
Site selection – Asparagus requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to survive and excellent soil drainage to avoid root rot. In certain areas with very heavy clay soils, it is best to plant asparagus in raised beds that are about 12 to 20 inches deep. Also keep in mind that asparagus can live for 15 to 20 years.
Soil preparation – The ideal soil should be fertile and well drained. The pH of the soil should be around 6.5. All soil amendments must be made before planting. Before planting, prepare a ditch 15 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches deep. Because asparagus is a heavy feeder, mix in some well-aged manure to help the newly planted asparagus grow.
Planting asparagus – In West Virginia, the planting season for asparagus is early spring, usually 2 to 4 weeks before the last scheduled frost. To start growing asparagus, one-year-old crowns should be used rather than seeds. Space crowns 15 to 18 inches apart, and space your rows 3 to 5 feet apart. Place the crowns on small mounds of soil inside your ditch and cover them with about 2 to 3 inches of soil. Once the spears start to protrude from the soil, gradually fill the ditch with more soil over the course of several weeks.
Weed control – Weed control is especially important during the first 2 years after planting. Good practice for maintaining asparagus is hand-pulling weeds, applying organic mulch such as straw, and avoiding deep cultivation that may damage crowns and roots.
Irrigation – This is an important step – asparagus loves moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. It requires an inch of water per week.
What to plant – Variety selection depends on factors such as yield goals, soil types and resistance. A few varieties that grow well in West Virginia are listed below:
- Millennium: An exceptional variety for cold, mountainous climates (hardy throughout West Virginia). It emerges later in spring, which helps avoid early frost damage.
- Jersey Series (Jersey Giant/Jersey Supreme): These are heavy producers that thrive in a variety of soils, offering excellent resistance to common issues like rust and fusarium.
- Purple Passion: Produces deep purple, sweet, and nutty spears. It has a slightly lower yield than green hybrids, but makes a beautiful addition to the garden
Harvesting asparagus – Harvest does not occur until the second year, if plants are vigorous. This is where gardeners must show patience. It is best to allow the asparagus to fern and develop strong crowns that will reward you with a high yield each year. In the third year, harvest should only go over a 2 to 4 week period. From there on, the harvest span is 6 to 8 weeks depending on geographic location – usually from early spring until mid-summer.
If there is a significant late frost injury, cut all the spears back and let new ones develop. The next harvest will be delayed and may be 1 or 2 weeks shorter due to the frost event. After harvesting, allow remaining shoots to go into fern-like foliage. These ferns produce and store energy that supports spear production the following year. Leave foliage in place until it turns yellow or brown in the fall, then cut it back and remove plant debris.
Asparagus pests – Asparagus, like many vegetables, can be attacked by pests. Asparagus beetles are the most common insect pest. Adults and larvae feed on spears and foliage, thus reducing plant strength. If you encounter asparagus beetles, remove them and remove old plant debris. These 2 steps help maintain healthy and vibrant plants.
When planting asparagus, just keep in mind that it should be planted in a permanent location with access to 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They should have well-drained, fertile soils with a pH of 6.5, and harvesting should not occur in the first 2 years and only lightly in the third year. With proper care, asparagus can provide a productive harvest from early spring until mid-summer for many years.
Brian Sparks – WVU Extension Agent, Nicholas and Fayette Counties
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status. Political beliefs, sexual orientation, national origin and marital or family status. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture, Director, Cooperative Extension Service, West Virginia University AG12-137.