How to Manage Pests

Time to plant

Asparagus is a perennial crop that requires two distinct periods--a growing period and a resting period. If drought or cold weather do not stop vegetative fern growth, shoots will become spindly and less vigorous each year. If beds are established with 1-year-old crowns, planting occurs in mid to late winter. For growing your own transplants in a greenhouse, plant seeds in flats 10 to 12 weeks before recommended planting periods.

In the garden, optimum root and fern growth develops with temperatures in the range of 65° to 85° F. Growth is retarded with temperatures below 55° F or above 85° F. For seedling transplants, the ideal greenhouse temperatures are a nighttime low of 65° F and a daytime maximum of 85° F. For direct seeding, the optimum germination temperature is between 77° to 86° F.

Asparagus can be planted from transplants, roots, or shoots.