How To Plant Asparagus Spears

To plant asparagus spears, you’ll need to start with crowns rather than seeds if you want a harvest sooner.
 
Asparagus spears come from the underground crowns of the asparagus plant, which is a perennial vegetable that can produce for 15 to 20 years or more.
 
If you’re wondering how to plant asparagus spears the right way, the key is preparing a deep bed, giving the roots room to spread, and being patient.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to plant asparagus spears step by step, from choosing crowns to caring for them after planting.
 

How to Plant Asparagus Spears the Right Way

Planting asparagus spears starts with understanding that you’re planting crowns, not the thin spears you see at the grocery store.

Those tasty spears are the young shoots that emerge from the crowns each spring.

When you plant asparagus spears, you’re actually establishing the crown that will send up those spears year after year.

So let’s break down exactly how to plant asparagus spears so your bed thrives.

1. Start With Healthy Asparagus Crowns

To plant asparagus spears successfully, begin with one-year-old crowns from a reputable nursery.

Crowns are easier and faster than starting from seed, which can add an extra year to your wait.

Look for firm, plump crowns with plenty of healthy roots attached.

This single choice makes a huge difference in how well your asparagus spears perform.

2. Pick the Right Spot and Prep the Soil

Asparagus spears need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.

Choose a spot where the plants can stay undisturbed for decades, since asparagus doesn’t like being moved.

Work the soil deep, at least 12 to 15 inches, and mix in plenty of compost or aged manure.

Good drainage matters because soggy roots will rot before your asparagus spears ever appear.

3. Dig Trenches for Your Asparagus Spears

Dig trenches about 12 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep.

Space the trenches 3 to 4 feet apart so the ferns have room to spread later.

If you’re planting more than one row, this spacing keeps airflow good and helps prevent disease.

Planting Asparagus Spears Step by Step

Now comes the fun part, actually getting those crowns into the ground.

Here’s how to plant asparagus spears so they establish strong roots.

1. Set the Crowns in the Trench

Place each crown in the trench with the roots spread out and the crown pointing upward.

Space crowns about 12 to 18 inches apart within the row.

This gives each plant enough room to grow and keeps your future asparagus spears from crowding each other.

2. Cover and Water Gradually

Cover the crowns with just 2 inches of soil at first, then water gently.

As the shoots grow, keep adding soil until the trench is filled.

This gradual covering is one of the most important tricks when you plant asparagus spears, since it encourages strong root development.

3. Mulch and Keep Weeds Away

Add a layer of mulch to hold moisture and smother weeds.

Weeds compete hard with young asparagus spears, so stay on top of them.

A clean bed means healthier crowns and better spears down the road.

Caring for Asparagus Spears After Planting

Once planted, asparagus spears need a little patience and steady care.

Don’t harvest the first year, and only lightly the second.

Let the ferns grow tall and brown before cutting them back in late fall or winter.

These ferns feed the crown, which is what gives you abundant asparagus spears later.

Water deeply during dry spells, and feed with compost each spring.

With the right start, your asparagus spears will reward you for years.

So, How to Plant Asparagus Spears?

To plant asparagus spears, start with healthy crowns, dig deep trenches, and cover them gradually as they grow.
 
Planting asparagus spears takes patience, but once established, they’ll produce for decades with minimal effort.
 
Follow these steps on how to plant asparagus spears, and you’ll enjoy fresh, tender spears straight from your garden season after season.