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To plant bare root asparagus crowns, you need to pick a sunny spot with well-drained soil and plant them in early spring while they’re still dormant.
The good news is that planting bare root asparagus crowns isn’t complicated once you know the steps.
If you’ve been wondering how to plant bare root asparagus crowns the right way, you’re in the right place.
These crowns are simply one-year-old asparagus roots sold without soil, and they’re the cheapest and most reliable way to start a bed.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to plant bare root asparagus crowns, from choosing the right site to caring for them after planting.
Let’s dig in.
How to Plant Bare Root Asparagus Crowns Step by Step
Learning how to plant bare root asparagus crowns correctly starts with site selection, because asparagus is a long-term commitment.
A well-planted asparagus bed can produce spears for 20 years or more, so it pays to get the basics right from day one.
Here’s how to plant bare root asparagus crowns in a way that sets them up for decades of harvests.
1. Choose the Right Spot and Soil
Asparagus needs full sun and soil that drains well.
If water sits around the crowns, they’ll rot before they ever send up a spear.
This is the foundation of knowing how to plant bare root asparagus crowns successfully.
Pick a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Avoid low spots where frost pockets form in spring, since a late freeze can damage emerging spears.
2. Prep the Soil Before Planting
Before you plant bare root asparagus crowns, work the soil deeply.
Loosen it to about 12 to 15 inches down and mix in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure.
Asparagus roots grow deep and wide, so they need soft, rich ground to spread into.
A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend it generously or consider building a raised bed.
3. Soak the Crowns Before Planting
Right before you plant bare root asparagus crowns, soak them in water for about 30 minutes.
This rehydrates the roots after shipping and gives them a strong start.
Trim any mushy or broken roots with clean pruners, but leave the healthy ones intact.
Fresh, firm crowns with plump roots will always outperform dried-out ones, so buy from a reputable supplier.
4. Dig the Trench
To plant bare root asparagus crowns, dig a trench about 12 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep.
If you’re planting several crowns, space them 12 to 18 inches apart in the row.
Leave 3 to 4 feet between rows so the ferns have room to grow.
Build a small mound of soil in the center of the trench for each crown to sit on.
5. Position the Crowns Correctly
This is the part that trips up most gardeners learning how to plant bare root asparagus crowns.
Set each crown on its mound with the roots draping down and outward like a spider.
The crown itself, where the buds sit, should face upward.
Cover the crowns with just 2 inches of soil at first.
Don’t bury them deep right away, because the buds need warmth to break dormancy.
6. Water and Fill In Gradually
After you plant bare root asparagus crowns, water them in gently.
Then, as the spears grow through the season, keep adding soil until the trench is filled level.
This gradual filling is a classic trick for how to plant bare root asparagus crowns so the roots stay moist but never drowned.
By fall, the trench should be completely level with the surrounding ground.
Caring for Bare Root Asparagus Crowns After Planting
Once you’ve figured out how to plant bare root asparagus crowns, the next job is keeping them healthy.
Young crowns need consistent moisture, so water deeply during dry spells.
Keep the bed weed-free, since asparagus doesn’t compete well with weeds.
A layer of mulch helps hold moisture and smother weeds at the same time.
Resist the urge to harvest during the first year.
Let the spears grow into tall ferns so they can feed the roots through photosynthesis.
You can take a light harvest in year two, then full harvests from year three onward.
In late fall, cut the dead ferns down to the ground once they’ve turned brown.
Common Mistakes When You Plant Bare Root Asparagus Crowns
Even gardeners who know how to plant bare root asparagus crowns make a few avoidable errors.
Planting too deep is the biggest one, so keep that initial 2-inch cover in mind.
Another mistake is letting the roots dry out before planting, which is why soaking matters.
Planting in soggy soil is another killer, so never skip the drainage check.
And harvesting too soon weakens the crowns before they’ve established.
Patience is truly the secret when you plant bare root asparagus crowns.
So, How to Plant Bare Root Asparagus Crowns?
To plant bare root asparagus crowns, pick a sunny, well-drained site, soak the crowns, and set them in a trench with the roots spread and the buds facing up.
Cover them with just 2 inches of soil, water well, and fill the trench gradually as the spears grow.
If you’ve been wondering how to plant bare root asparagus crowns without wasting money on failed beds, these steps will get you there.
With a little patience before the first harvest, you’ll be cutting fresh spears for the next 20 years.