Stages of growing asparagus

When asparagus first emerges, slim, tender spears appear. These spears are what we harvest and this part of the life cycle lasts four to six weeks in the second year of planting, six to eight weeks in the third year, continuing at that rate for 15 to 20 years!

How long does asparagus take to grow?
How fast do asparagus spears grow?
What happens if you plant asparagus too close together?
Does asparagus regrow after cutting?
Does asparagus like sun or shade?
Should I let my asparagus go to seed?
Why are my asparagus spears so thin?
What month do you plant asparagus?
How much asparagus do you get from one plant?
What can you not plant near asparagus?
Should I pick skinny asparagus?
Why can't you harvest asparagus the first year?

How long does asparagus take to grow?

The seedlings themselves require several weeks to reach two inches in height, the size right for transplanting into a growing bed. It takes three to four years for a young plant to develop the maturity needed to support annual harvests that last four to six weeks. Until then, one must harvest sparingly.

How fast do asparagus spears grow?

If you have young plants, the season may last 2 to 3 weeks. However, established plants produce longer—up to 8 weeks. Check your plant every other day for harvest-ready spears. Spears grow quickly and may become too woody before you know it!

What happens if you plant asparagus too close together?

If planted too close together, asparagus crowns will produce new stalks for only a few years. With enough space and good care, the crowns should last at least 20 years. ... Do stay ahead of the weeds; asparagus will give up instead of competing with them.

Does asparagus regrow after cutting?

Now, let's get to the question: does asparagus regrow after cutting. The answer is yes because perennial plants return year after year.

Does asparagus like sun or shade?

Light requirements: Full sun. Plant asparagus on the west or north side of a garden so the tall plants won't shade other vegetables in summer. Planting: Space 12 to 18 inches apart. Soil requirements: Asparagus needs well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

Should I let my asparagus go to seed?

Since you will only have the leaf buds of asparagus on your plate, you don't have to let the plant go to seed. The ferns with berries tend to bend towards the ground and touch the wet soil, which can spread a fungal disease in the plants.

Why are my asparagus spears so thin?

Thin asparagus spears appear for a number of reasons, but the root cause is ultimately the same: the asparagus crown lacks the rigor to create bigger shoots. ... Improper Feeding – Asparagus are somewhat heavy feeders and need all the food they can get in order to build strong spears the following year.

What month do you plant asparagus?

Plant asparagus in spring or fall in a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Asparagus takes a few seasons to mature but will reap a harvest for 15 to 30 years, so choose a planting location that will go undisturbed for a long time.

How much asparagus do you get from one plant?

Each plant yields about 1/2 pound of asparagus spears each harvest.

What can you not plant near asparagus?

There are two main crops to avoid growing alongside asparagus: Alliums. Alliums like leeks, garlic, and onion sharing the soil with asparagus are said to stunt its growth. That doesn't mean you have to choose between them: Just plant any alliums a good distance away from asparagus beds and they'll be fine.

Should I pick skinny asparagus?

Don't cut spears thinner than a pencil. For a longer than normal harvest: cut spears for just two weeks in spring then allow 2 or 3 spears from a few of the crowns to mature and produce ferns.

Why can't you harvest asparagus the first year?

How to Harvest Asparagus. Don't harvest any asparagus spears during the first two years that plants are in the permanent bed because they need to put energy into establishing deep roots. During the third season, pick the spears over a four-week period, and by the fourth year, extend your harvest to eight weeks.