How to Plant Dormant Perennial Asparagus Roots

Asparagus is a perennial that sprouts from the existing roots each spring. Though you can plant asparagus from seeds, it is time consuming, and you will have to transplant the crowns after one year. So plant dormant asparagus roots in the spring, allowing three years for the crowns to be fully established. Each established crown will produce about a half pound of asparagus per year. You can harvest the sprouts for a few weeks each spring, then the asparagus plants grow to strengthen and develop the root system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Asparagus roots
• Tiller
• Shovel
• Fertilizer
• Organic compost
• Bone meal

1. Choose a sunny well-drained site. Remove grass and weeds. Check the pH and adjust to 6.5 to 7.5 if needed. Till the soil and mix in 1 lb. of 5-10-5 fertilizer per 100 square feet, along with a thick layer of organic compost.

2. Purchase 1-year-old dormant roots. Plant the roots in the spring, when the soil has warmed to 50 degrees.

3. Dig trenches 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide, leaving 4 feet between the trenches. Sprinkle bone meal in the bottom of the trench at a rate of about 1 lb. for every 12 feet of trench.

4. Place the dormant roots 18 inches apart in the trench. Cover the roots loosely with the removed soil, but do not compress the soil. Water.

5. Allow the roots to grow without cutting during the first year. Asparagus are fairly drought resistant and need watering only during dry spells. Remove weeds by hoeing or by hand pulling.

6. Harvest asparagus spears the second year. Snap the asparagus spear at the soil level when the spears reach 7 to 9 inches in height. As the days get warmer, decrease the spear harvest heights to 5 to 7 inches. Continue harvesting spears daily as needed for three weeks. Harvest all spears during this three-week period, which will increase the harvesting period in future years.

Tips & Warnings

• The asparagus bed will produce for many years, so take the time to choose the best location and prepare the soil properly. The plants grow tall and can shade out other garden plants if not located properly. The north or west side of the garden is ideal.

References

• Purdue University: Growing Asparagus in the Home Garden
• University of Illinois: Asparagus