How To Grow Store Bought Asparagus

You can grow store-bought asparagus, and it’s actually a fun project that turns a simple grocery item into a garden plant.
 
The key is understanding what you’re working with, because asparagus from the store is usually sold as spears or crowns, not as seeds.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to grow store-bought asparagus, the good news is that it can be done with a bit of patience.
 
Store-bought asparagus spears won’t grow into new plants because they lack the crown and root system.
 
However, if you can find asparagus crowns at a garden center or online, you can grow those easily.
 
But let’s focus on the actual store-bought asparagus, which usually means the spears you buy for eating.
 
Those spears can sometimes be propagated if they still have a bit of root attached, but it’s rare.
 
A more reliable way to grow store-bought asparagus is to buy crowns that were originally sold in stores as fresh produce, but that’s not common.
 
Instead, the best bet is to buy asparagus crowns from a nursery, which is technically store-bought asparagus in a different form.
 
Let me explain how to grow store-bought asparagus in a way that actually works.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the steps to grow store-bought asparagus, the challenges involved, and tips to make it successful.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Store-Bought Asparagus Can Be Grown

Store-bought asparagus can be grown, but it depends on what form you buy.
 
If you purchase fresh asparagus crowns from a store or online, you can definitely grow them.
 
If you buy the spears, they won’t grow into plants because they’re just the shoots.
 
However, you can try to grow store-bought asparagus from the base of the spears if they have a tiny bit of crown attached.
 
This is a long shot, but some gardeners have had luck with it.
 
The reason store-bought asparagus can be grown from crowns is that crowns contain the roots and buds needed for new growth.
 
When you plant a crown, it sends up spears that eventually become ferny stalks.
 
Those stalks then produce energy for the plant to survive and return next year.
 
So, the key to growing store-bought asparagus is to start with crowns, not just spears.
 

1. Choose the Right Store-Bought Asparagus

When you want to grow store-bought asparagus, look for crowns that are firm and plump.
 
Avoid crowns that are dried out or mushy, as they won’t grow well.
 
You can find asparagus crowns at garden centers, hardware stores, or online retailers.
 
These are often sold as one-year-old crowns, which are ready to plant.
 
If you only have access to fresh spears, you can try to root them, but success is low.
 
So, always opt for crowns if you can.
 

2. Prepare the Soil Properly

To grow store-bought asparagus, you need well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
 
Asparagus is a perennial, so it will stay in the ground for years.
 
That means you should amend the soil with compost and aged manure before planting.
 
Dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
 
Add a layer of compost at the bottom, then place the crowns on top.
 
Cover them with a few inches of soil and fill in as they grow.
 
This gives the roots room to spread and helps the plant establish.
 

3. Plant at the Right Time

The best time to grow store-bought asparagus is in early spring, after the last frost.
 
You can also plant in late fall in mild climates.
 
Asparagus needs a dormant period to thrive, so planting in spring gives it a full season to grow.
 
If you plant store-bought asparagus in summer, it may struggle with heat.
 
So, aim for spring or fall for the best results.
 

Steps to Grow Store-Bought Asparagus

Growing store-bought asparagus takes a bit of planning, but it’s worth it.
 
Here’s how to do it step by step.
 

1. Soak the Crowns Before Planting

Before you plant store-bought asparagus crowns, soak them in water for about an hour.
 
This rehydrates them and gives them a head start.
 
Don’t soak them for more than a few hours, as they can rot.
 
After soaking, trim any damaged roots with clean scissors.
 
This helps the crown focus energy on new growth.
 

2. Dig and Amend the Trench

Dig a trench that’s about 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide.
 
Mix compost and bone meal into the soil at the bottom.
 
Create a small mound in the trench and place the crown on top, spreading the roots out.
 
Space crowns about 18 inches apart.
 
Cover them with 2 inches of soil and water well.
 
As the spears grow, gradually fill the trench with more soil.
 

3. Water and Mulch Regularly

Store-bought asparagus needs consistent moisture, especially in the first year.
 
Water deeply once a week, or more if it’s hot.
 
Mulch with straw or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
 
Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can cause root rot.
 
A good rule is to keep the soil moist but not wet.
 

4. Fertilize Sparingly

Fertilize store-bought asparagus in early spring and after harvest.
 
Use a balanced fertilizer or compost tea.
 
Don’t over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots.
 
A light feeding is enough to keep the plants healthy.
 

5. Be Patient with Harvesting

Don’t harvest store-bought asparagus in the first year.
 
Let the spears grow into ferns to build energy for the plant.
 
In the second year, you can harvest a few spears.
 
By the third year, you can harvest for about 6-8 weeks.
 
This patience ensures a productive patch for years to come.
 

Common Challenges When Growing Store-Bought Asparagus

Growing store-bought asparagus isn’t without challenges.
 
Here are a few to watch out for.
 

1. Crown Rot

If the soil doesn’t drain well, crowns can rot.
 
To prevent this, plant in raised beds or amend heavy soil with sand and compost.
 

2. Pests

Asparagus beetles and aphids can attack the plants.
 
Handpick them or use neem oil to keep them away.
 

3. Weeds

Weeds compete for nutrients, so mulch well and pull them by hand.
 
Avoid herbicides, as they can harm the asparagus.
 

So, Can You Grow Store-Bought Asparagus?

You can grow store-bought asparagus, but it’s best to start with crowns rather than spears.
 
The process takes time and patience, but the reward is a perennial crop that returns year after year.
 
Remember to plant in well-drained soil, water consistently, and avoid harvesting too early.
 
With these steps, you’ll be able to grow store-bought asparagus successfully.
 
Happy gardening.