Starting Your Asparagus Garden from Seeds

Growing asparagus from seeds is a rewarding project for any gardener, though it requires patience. Unlike purchasing crowns, seeds give you the satisfaction of nurturing your plants from the very beginning. The process takes longer—expect your first harvest in three years rather than two—but you'll save money and gain complete control over your crop's development.

Timing and Indoor Seed Starting

Start asparagus seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last spring frost. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates. Fill seed trays with seed-starting mix, plant seeds about half an inch deep, and keep the soil consistently moist. Provide warmth and light—seeds germinate best between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Once seedlings emerge, place them under grow lights or near a sunny window to prevent them from becoming leggy.

Hardening Off and Transplanting

About two weeks before transplanting outdoors, begin hardening off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Start with one hour in a sheltered spot and increase exposure over 7 to 10 days. When soil temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit and seedlings are 6 to 8 inches tall, they're ready for the garden. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart.

Soil Preparation and Care

Asparagus thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Work compost or aged manure into your bed before planting. Choose a sunny location—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Keep young plants consistently watered, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, which compete with developing asparagus roots.

First-Year Expectations and Beyond

During the first year, resist the urge to harvest. Let plants establish strong root systems by allowing all ferns to grow tall and mature. In the second year, you can harvest lightly for just two weeks. By year three, your asparagus bed will produce generously for 10 to 15 years or more. Fertilize annually in early spring and remove dead ferns in late fall to keep your bed healthy and productive.

MORE SEED PLANTING INFORMATION

• Botanical name: Asparagus officinalis
• Depth to plant seeds: .5" deep
• Spacing between plants: 14"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 4'-5' apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 10-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-80F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun, partial shade
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 730 days