When To Plant Asparagus In Arkansas

The best time to plant asparagus in Arkansas is in early spring, specifically from late February through March.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant asparagus in Arkansas, the answer depends on your specific growing zone and whether you’re starting with crowns or seeds.
 
Arkansas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b through 8a, and asparagus thrives when planted at the right moment in each of these zones.
 
In this post, we’ll explore when to plant asparagus in Arkansas, how to prepare your beds, and the best practices for a harvest that lasts for decades.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Asparagus in Arkansas

Planting asparagus in Arkansas at the right time is critical because this perennial vegetable can produce for 15 to 20 years when established properly.
 
The timing varies slightly depending on whether you’re planting crowns or seeds, and where you are in the state.
 

1. Plant Crowns in Late Winter to Early Spring

The most common method for planting asparagus in Arkansas is using one-year-old crowns.
 
You should plant these crowns from late February through mid-March, before the soil warms up too much.
 
In southern Arkansas, where winters are milder, you can start planting asparagus as early as late February.
 
In northern Arkansas, waiting until mid-March is usually safer to avoid a late freeze that could damage young crowns.
 
The soil temperature should be at least 50°F for crowns to start growing actively.
 

2. Start Seeds Indoors in January or February

If you’re growing asparagus from seed in Arkansas, you’ll need to start them indoors much earlier.
 
Sow seeds indoors in January or early February in seed-starting trays.
 
Asparagus seeds germinate slowly, often taking three to four weeks.
 
Once seedlings are strong enough, transplant them outdoors after the last frost date in your area.
 
For most of Arkansas, that means transplanting in April or early May.
 
However, keep in mind that asparagus grown from seed won’t give you a harvest for at least two to three years.
 

3. Consider Your Arkansas Growing Zone

Arkansas is divided into different growing zones, and this affects when you plant asparagus.
 
In Zone 8a (southern Arkansas), you can plant asparagus crowns from late February through early March.
 
In Zone 7b (central Arkansas), planting asparagus in early to mid-March works well.
 
In Zone 6b (northern Arkansas), aim for mid to late March when the ground has thawed but isn’t waterlogged.
 
Checking your local extension office’s recommendations can give you the most precise planting date for your county.
 

How to Prepare Your Asparagus Bed in Arkansas

Getting the soil right before you plant asparagus in Arkansas makes all the difference in the world.
 
Asparagus loves well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
 

1. Choose the Right Location

Pick a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of full sun each day.
 
Because asparagus is a perennial, you won’t be rotating it like other crops, so choose carefully.
 
Avoid low-lying areas where water tends to pool after Arkansas’s heavy spring rains.
 

2. Amend the Soil Properly

Before planting asparagus in Arkansas, work in plenty of compost or aged manure.
 
The ideal soil pH for asparagus is between 6.5 and 7.5.
 
If your soil is heavy clay, which is common in parts of Arkansas, add sand and organic matter to improve drainage.
 
Raised beds are an excellent option if your native soil doesn’t drain well.
 

3. Dig Trenches for the Crowns

When you’re ready to plant asparagus crowns, dig trenches about 6 to 8 inches deep.
 
Space the trenches 4 to 5 feet apart to give the fern-like foliage room to spread.
 
Place crowns about 12 to 18 inches apart within the trench.
 
Cover them with just 2 inches of soil initially and fill in the trench gradually as the spears grow.
 

Caring for Asparagus After Planting in Arkansas

Once you’ve planted asparagus in Arkansas, a little ongoing care goes a long way.
 

1. Water Consistently

Arkansas summers can get hot and dry, so keep your asparagus bed watered regularly.
 
Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation.
 

2. Control Weeds Early

Young asparagus doesn’t compete well with weeds.
 
Mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
 
Avoid disturbing the crowns once they’re established.
 

3. Resist the Urge to Harvest Too Soon

When you plant asparagus in Arkansas from crowns, wait until the second year to harvest lightly.
 
By the third year, you can harvest for about six to eight weeks each spring.
 
Stop harvesting when the spears become thin and pencil-sized, letting the ferns grow to feed the crowns for next year.
 

So, When to Plant Asparagus in Arkansas?

The best time to plant asparagus in Arkansas is from late February through March for crowns, or start seeds indoors in January.
 
Timing your planting correctly based on your growing zone gives your asparagus the best start possible.
 
With proper soil preparation and a little patience, you’ll be enjoying fresh spears from your Arkansas garden for many years to come.
 
Happy planting.