Asparagus is the ultimate long-term investment in your kitchen garden. Plant crowns once, tend the bed well, and you'll be harvesting tender spears every spring for 20 years or more.
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Asparagus is a long-term crop, so site choice matters more than rushing the planting job.
Use the how-to guide and planting dates before planting crowns or dedicating a permanent bed.
Ready to start growing? Read our full How to Grow Asparagus UK →
Founder & Head Grower, SoilCommander · RHS Level 2 · 12+ years growing in Yorkshire
I've been growing vegetables on my Yorkshire allotment and raised beds since 2012. Everything I write is based on what I've actually grown, failed at, and eventually got right in a real UK climate.
Asparagus Planting Calendar
| Task | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sow from seed (indoors) | February – March | Slow — takes 3 years to first harvest |
| Plant 1-year crowns | March – April | Best method; harvest begins year 3 |
| Plant 2-year crowns | March – April | Harvest begins year 2 after planting |
| First light harvest | Year 2 (crowns) or Year 3 (seed) | Take only 2–3 spears per plant |
| Full harvest season | April – June (established beds) | Cut spears at 15–20 cm; stop by midsummer |
| Cut back fern | October – November | Once foliage turns yellow; mulch the bed |
Planting Asparagus Crowns
One-year crowns planted in March to April are the most reliable and widely recommended method. Prepare the bed thoroughly — asparagus will occupy the same ground for 20+ years, so deep digging, removal of all perennial weeds, and generous incorporation of well-rotted manure or compost are essential.
Dig a trench 30 cm wide and 20 cm deep. Create a central ridge of soil 10 cm high along the base. Drape the crown's roots over the ridge like a spider, spacing crowns 30–45 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart. Backfill with soil, burying the crown tips 5 cm below the surface. Water in well. Do not harvest at all in the first year.
Growing from Seed
Asparagus can be grown from seed sown indoors in February or March at 13–16°C. Germination takes 2–3 weeks. Grow on in pots and plant out in May. However, seed-grown plants take 3 years to reach first harvest — one year longer than crowns. Seed is only worth considering if you want a specific variety not available as crowns, or if you're growing on a large scale.
Regional Timing Guide
🏠 South England
Plant crowns from mid March. Harvest season begins late April — though the RHS stresses withholding all harvesting for the first two seasons so the permanent bed establishes. Longest spear season — up to 8 weeks on established beds.
🏠 Midlands & Wales
Plant crowns from late March. Harvest from early May. Choose reliable all-male F1 varieties for consistent yields.
🏠 North England
Plant crowns from early April. Harvest from mid May. Ensure excellent drainage — wet winters can rot crowns in heavy soils.
🏠 Scotland
Plant crowns from mid April. Harvest from late May. Choose a sheltered, south-facing bed. All-male F1 varieties perform best.
Best Asparagus Varieties for the UK
Gijnlim F1
The most popular all-male F1 variety in the UK. Early, prolific, and consistent. Produces thick, tender spears from April. Excellent for all regions.
Backlim F1
A mid-season all-male variety with superb flavour and thick spears. More vigorous than Gijnlim and well-suited to heavier soils. Reliable across the UK.
Connover's Colossal
A traditional heritage variety producing large, flavourful spears. Not all-male, so some energy goes to seed production, but a classic choice for heritage gardens.
Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid
- Harvesting too soon: The most common mistake. Picking spears in year one or taking a heavy harvest in year two seriously weakens the crowns. Patience in the early years means decades of productive harvests later.
- Poor site preparation: Asparagus stays in the ground for 20+ years. Perennial weeds like bindweed or couch grass will be almost impossible to remove once the bed is established. Clear the site completely before planting and incorporate plenty of organic matter.
- Waterlogged soil: Asparagus crowns rot in poorly drained ground. If your soil is heavy clay, raise the bed by 20–30 cm or install drainage before planting. Good drainage is non-negotiable.
Companion Planting for Asparagus
Good companions: Tomatoes and asparagus are a classic pairing — asparagus repels nematodes that attack tomato roots, while tomatoes deter asparagus beetle. Parsley and basil planted at the bed edges attract beneficial insects. Marigolds help deter soil pests.
Avoid planting near: Onions, garlic, and other alliums (inhibit asparagus growth). Keep potatoes away — they share blight and compete strongly for nutrients.
Main Pest Risk: Asparagus Beetle
Asparagus beetle is the primary pest — both adults and larvae strip the foliage (fern) from late spring onwards. Check plants regularly from May and pick off beetles and larvae by hand. In severe infestations, use an organic pyrethrin-based spray. Cutting back and removing all fern in autumn destroys overwintering sites.
Slugs target emerging spears in spring. Use wool pellets or nematodes around the bed as spears begin to push through.
Violet root rot causes purple-stained roots and crown collapse. There is no cure — remove affected plants and do not replant asparagus in the same spot for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant asparagus crowns in the UK?
Plant one-year asparagus crowns from March to April while they are dormant. This is the most reliable method and gives the best establishment. Prepare the bed thoroughly before planting — asparagus will occupy the same ground for 20 years or more, so good soil preparation is essential.
How long before I can harvest asparagus?
With one-year crowns, expect to wait until year two for a very light harvest (2–3 spears per plant) and year three for a full harvest. With two-year crowns, a light harvest is possible the year after planting. Seed-grown plants take three years to first harvest. The wait is worth it — a well-established bed will crop for 20+ years.
What is an all-male asparagus variety and why does it matter?
All-male F1 varieties (such as Gijnlim and Backlim) produce only male plants, which put all their energy into spear production rather than setting seed. Female plants produce red berries and self-seed prolifically, creating unwanted seedlings. All-male varieties give higher, more consistent yields and are the best choice for most UK gardeners.
When should I stop harvesting asparagus?
Stop harvesting by mid June at the latest — ideally by the end of May in the first full harvest year. After cutting stops, allow the spears to grow into tall, feathery fern. This fern photosynthesises and rebuilds the crown's energy reserves for next spring's harvest. Cut the fern back to ground level in October or November once it turns yellow.
Can I grow asparagus in a raised bed?
Yes — raised beds are actually ideal for asparagus as they provide the excellent drainage the crop requires. Make the bed at least 30 cm deep and fill with a mix of topsoil and well-rotted compost. Avoid very shallow raised beds as asparagus roots go deep. A dedicated raised bed also makes it easier to keep the area weed-free long-term.
🌿 Did You Know?
Asparagus has been cultivated for over 2,000 years — the ancient Romans were so fond of it that Emperor Augustus coined the phrase “velocius quam asparagi conquantur” (“faster than cooking asparagus”) to mean “do it quickly.” A well-tended asparagus bed planted today could still be producing spears in 2046 and beyond.
A short visual guide to growing asparagus in the UK — covering when to plant crowns, how to prepare the bed, and what to expect in your first harvest season.
🌱 Did you know? Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that comes back year after year from the same plant — a single crown can produce spears for over two decades.
Plan Your Asparagus Bed for Years to Come
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