Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Yes, you can plant store bought asparagus, and it can actually grow into a productive perennial vegetable in your garden with the right approach.
The tricky part is that store bought asparagus is usually sold as edible spears, not as crowns or seeds, so you need to understand what you’re working with before you dig in.
If you’ve ever wondered can you plant store bought asparagus and get a real harvest, the answer is yes, but the results depend on the type you buy and how you plant it.
In this post, we’ll explore how to plant store bought asparagus, which types work best, and what to expect from your grocery store spears.
Let’s dig into the details so you can enjoy this tasty perennial safely.
Can You Plant Store Bought Asparagus?
You can plant store bought asparagus, and many gardeners do it successfully every year.
The key is knowing that store bought asparagus comes in three main forms, and each one behaves differently when you plant it.
1. Fresh Spears Can Sometimes Grow Roots
Fresh asparagus spears from the grocery store are the edible shoots of the plant.
If the spears are very fresh and still have a bit of the base attached, they can occasionally develop roots when planted in moist soil.
This is the least reliable method, but it’s the most direct answer to can you plant store bought asparagus from a bundle of spears.
You’ll want to choose thick, firm spears with intact, not dried out, bases for the best chance of success.
2. Crowns Sold in Stores Are Ideal
Some stores and garden centers sell asparagus crowns, which are one-year-old root systems.
These are the best option if you want to plant store bought asparagus and actually harvest spears within a couple of years.
Crowns are ready to go into the ground and establish quickly compared to seeds or spears.
3. Seeds Are Rare but Possible
You can sometimes find asparagus seeds online or in specialty stores, though they’re not common in grocery aisles.
Planting store bought asparagus seeds takes patience because you’ll wait three years before harvesting.
Still, it’s a viable way to grow this perennial if you’re up for the long game.
How to Plant Store Bought Asparagus Spears
If you’re determined to plant store bought asparagus spears, here’s how to give them the best shot.
1. Choose the Freshest Spears
Look for spears that are firm, bright green, and have tight tips.
Avoid any that are limp, browning, or have dry, woody ends.
The fresher the spear, the higher the chance it will produce roots when you plant store bought asparagus.
2. Trim and Soak Before Planting
Cut about an inch off the bottom of each spear to expose fresh tissue.
Soak the bases in water for a few hours before planting to hydrate them.
This step helps when you plant store bought asparagus because it encourages root development.
3. Plant in Well-Drained Soil
Asparagus hates soggy roots, so choose a spot with loose, well-drained soil and full sun.
Dig a trench about six inches deep and set the spears upright with the bases covered.
Water gently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged as you plant store bought asparagus.
4. Be Patient and Don’t Harvest Too Soon
If your spears do root, they need time to build energy.
Don’t harvest any spears for at least two years after you plant store bought asparagus.
Let the fern-like foliage grow and feed the roots so you get a strong perennial patch.
Tips for Success When You Plant Store Bought Asparagus
Growing asparagus from store bought spears isn’t guaranteed, but these tips improve your odds.
1. Start Indoors for Better Control
You can plant store bought asparagus indoors in pots first.
Use a light potting mix and keep the soil warm and moist.
Once roots form, transplant them outside after the last frost.
2. Avoid Grocery Spears That Are Treated
Some store bought asparagus is treated or blanched for shelf life.
These spears are less likely to root when you plant store bought asparagus.
Organic, untreated spears give you the best chance.
3. Buy Crowns Instead for Faster Results
If your goal is a reliable harvest, crowns are the way to go.
You can plant store bought asparagus crowns and get spears in just two years.
It’s the fastest route from store to table.
So, Can You Plant Store Bought Asparagus?
You can plant store bought asparagus, and it can grow into a productive perennial with patience and the right conditions.
Fresh spears may root, crowns are your best bet, and seeds work if you’re willing to wait.
The key is to plant store bought asparagus in well-drained soil, keep it moist, and resist harvesting too early.
With a little luck and care, your grocery store spears can become a lasting patch in your garden.