The Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that possesses an amazing and expected growth model. Its tender and edible spears develop during early spring.
As the warmth comes, it grows and becomes tall and ferny. Unlike most vegetable plants, it has existed for many years and is mostly seen in U.S Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 8.
The plant is an easy-growing plant and can grow abundantly in several local regions in such a way that it becomes a ditch weed that grows wild along canals and streams.
There are 3 main stages of growing Asparagus: planting, maintenance/care, and harvesting.
Let’s briefly discuss the three stages one after another.
Table of Contents
Stages of Growing Asparagus
Contrary to other crops, including vegetable plants, growing Asparagus requires only three stages; understanding the ideal way to plant is very important because it will determine whether the plant will fare well or not.
You must also take proper care and maintenance of the plant, which will pave the way for a bountiful harvest.
Let's get started!
Stage 1: Planting
Planting of Asparagus requires two methods; planting through seeds or crowns. Whichever one it is, one thing you cannot escape is that you should plant them during the early spring with the soil temperature averaging 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you decide to plant the crowns, you must begin with the one-year-old Asparagus plant’s root system. With this method, you won’t be facing an uphill weeding task, as you would when planting through the seed.
When planting Asparagus through the seeds method, you should start them indoors before taking them outside for exactly a week after they’re 12 inches tall. Again, once the last frost of spring, endeavor to transplant them to a temporary garden bed.
The transplants will grow more mature in the fall; thus, you can now choose the high-yielding male plants to transfer into your permanent bed.
On the other hand, when planting through Asparagus crowns, you need to grow them in a trench 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep.
Find a space of 3 feet out of these trenches and a 2-inch ridge of soil on every one of the provided trenches, as it presents a place where you will grow the crowns 18 inches apart and drape their roots out.
Stage 2: Growth, Care, and Maintenance
The next growing stage answers the question of how long it takes to grow the Asparagus. Predominantly, growing Asparagus can take anywhere between 2 to 3 years. Most gardeners may choose to harvest once the spears develop earlier.
However, it is not advisable to do so, as it takes a longer period for the crops to establish and maintain their growth.
As earlier discussed, don’t be surprised if you discover weeds growing during your Asparagus’ life span. The two years that come after planting your crop would be all about weed management.
It will be perfect if you carry out this process to avoid weeds from invading the entire area. You need to suffocate or reduce weeds through the mulching of compost just around your crops.
And you can carry it out immediately you notice the weeds coming out at its early stage, to avoid it getting too extreme.
Asparagus requires around two inches of watering at the initial two years of its life cycle. You can easily manage watering needs when your crops are in the greenhouse, as it allows you to carry out drip irrigation with ease.
It is essential to feed your Asparagus during the fall or spring, as it helps maintain their healthy growth.
Generally, the Asparagus has the propensity to multiply. In three years, it should be very thick and occupy the planting area.
Because of this, you should try to measure your pots and beds before growing the plant, thereby solving any potential challenge you might encounter with overcrowding.
As long as the care factor is concerned, you are free to trim the dead foliage during the initial two years.
Ensure that you cut the dead foliage at around 2 inches from up the ground. Following this will allow you a much easier time managing diseases and pests that threaten your plants.
Read Also: Plumosa Fern Care
Stage 3: Harvesting
Harvesting is the final and the most straightforward stage of growing Asparagus. Asparagus of 8 to 10 inches is considered ripe for harvest.
Also, the younger the spear, the more the Asparagus grows tender; hence, while trimming off the spears, endeavor to do it around the ground level.
Immediately you discover the spear is already small; you can pause. As long as you have followed the processes spot on, there is no doubt that your harvest is sure to be very profitable and abundant, as it would be worth the time, energy, and money you spent on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asparagus Difficult to Grow?
Quite simply, it is not hard to grow, as long as you make sure that the crowns or seed is given the perfect soil and temperature requirements. It is easy to grow the Asparagus yourself using a greenhouse to prevent you from encountering weather and material supply inconsistencies.
How Long Does it Take to Grow Asparagus?
An Asparagus takes three years to be grown. However, you will be quite tempted to begin your harvest, as you might start seeing spears during its initial two years. But, it’s not advisable to do so, as the Asparagus is one among many crops that takes a longer period to establish itself.
What Does Asparagus Look Like When It Is Ready?
For the Asparagus to be ready for harvesting, they must be around 8 to 10 inches tall. However, younger spears look more tender, which makes it a common preference in Asparagus. Again, when the soil temperature is about 50 degrees, it is a sign that the spears are ripe for harvest.
Read Also: Eggplant Growing Stages
