Is growing asparagus from seedlings possible? Yes, definitely!
In fact, it’s one of the most fascinating experiences you’ll have as a homesteader.
The hardy perennial plant grows extremely well if you give it keen attention and time.
And the best part is that it’ll continue to produce fresh crops season after season.
But, like most other veggies and herbs, the plant needs its ideal condition to grow.
Want to know all of such details? Then, scroll down and follow my simple tips!
Is It Worth Growing Asparagus From Seed?
Yes, growing asparagus from seed is worth a try as it produces the best quality crop.
Many homesteaders grow asparagus from rootstock crowns as that’s quicker than growing from seeds. But, if you have enough patience to nurture the plant with care, growing from seeds is possible.
The best part of growing asparagus from seedlings is that the seeds are inexpensive. Secondly, the harvest that you’ll get will be heavier than growing from the rootstock.
Also, the plants won’t receive any transplant shock that the seedlings of nursery-grown root stock crowns usually suffer from.
What Month Do You Plant Asparagus?
The best time for planting asparagus seeds is from February to May.
That’s because asparagus needs bright sunlight to germinate and grow healthily.
And the ideal temperature for planting asparagus is 70 degrees F to 85 degrees F.
How To Grow Asparagus From Seed
My journey of growing asparagus from seed has been fantastic.
So, I decided to share my experience with you all. Here’s how you can grow asparagus from seed:
Asparagus is a perennial that can sustain in your garden for more than 20 years. For this reason, it’s essential to choose a proper space for the plant. Also, you need to start sowing the seeds in a greenhouse or indoors.
A fertile soil that’s well-drained is the best choice for asparagus. The pH level of the soil needs to be 7.0 to 7.2 for healthy growth.
But, as I’ve mentioned above, you need to be patient as the process can be lengthy.
Sowing the Seeds
You need to soak asparagus seeds before sowing.
The temperature of the soaked seeds needs to be between 85 degrees F and 90 degrees F. You need to leave the soaked seeds for at least two days before sowing them.
But, some homesteaders keep the soaked seeds for a few hours before sowing them. You can do that as well but I’ll recommend you wait for two days. Then, you can sow each seed 1 cm deep in a soil in 5-6 cm pot.
After sowing the seeds, you need to wait for 2-8 weeks for them to germinate. Here, you need to make sure that the seeds remain safe from frost.
That’s why I’ve suggested sowing them indoors or in a greenhouse.
Transplanting
The next step is transplanting, which you can do 10-12 weeks after sowing seeds.
The distance between the plants will depend on how thin or thick spears you want. You can transplant the seedlings between 10 and 18 inches apart and 4 inches deep.
Interestingly, asparagus and tomato plants share a very healthy relationship. These two friendly plants repel the pests of each other.
So, you can plant asparagus seedlings near your tomato plants for the best result.
As you see your asparagus plants grow, you need to keep the crown moist. You can do that by adding 1 inch of water to the crown every week. Also, covering the crown with fertile soil will boost its growth.
In spring, you can add fertilizer to your asparagus plants. You can choose any organic fertilizer and add 1-2 cups of it to the plant soil.
Feeding the plant with fertilizer is as important as watering it on a weekly basis.
Harvesting
You need to wait for 3 years before harvesting asparagus.
You can use a sharp knife to cut the spears according to your needs. The harvesting season of asparagus usually lasts for 8-10 weeks depending on the weather.
So, that’s the process of growing asparagus from the seedlings I follow!
Now, let me answer some common questions about growing asparagus.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Asparagus From Seed?
It takes at least 3 years for asparagus to grow from seed.
The germination of the seed starts in a few weeks and the plant starts to grow.
But, the plant matures to harvest after 3 seasons or years despite its cultivar.
Can You Direct Sow Asparagus Seeds?
Yes, you can directly sow asparagus seeds if you want.
But, harsh temperatures and especially frost can harm the seeds badly.
So, I will suggest you sow the seeds indoors or in a greenhouse and then transplant them.
How Many Asparagus Seeds Per Hole?
In each hole, you need to sow only one asparagus seed.
Each seed will produce one asparagus seedling when it germinates.
Does Asparagus Need Full Sun?
Yes, full sun is ideal for growing asparagus.
You need to make sure that the plants get at least 8 hours of sunlight every day.
For this reason, you also need to avoid planting asparagus around tall shrubs and trees.
How Often Do You Water Asparagus Seedlings?
You need to water asparagus seedlings daily to ensure healthy growth.
The quantity of water you need to provide for asparagus is 1 inch every week.
When the seedlings are young, you can provide 1-2 inches of water weekly.
How To Transplant Asparagus Seedlings
To transplant asparagus seedlings, you need to use a garden fork to dig out the crowns.
But, make sure that the roots don’t get harmed during the process. Then, you can sow the crowns in the desired location.
The best time to transplant asparagus seedlings is early spring or late fall. If the seedlings are already dormant, early spring would be the ideal time.
But, if they are still tender, you can transplant them in late fall before frost.
Growing Asparagus From Seed In Containers
Growing asparagus in containers from seed is simple.
All you need to do is choose pots 5-6 inches in diameter. You can use fertile soil to sow the seeds after soaking them for 2 days.
After sowing seeds in the containers, you need to place them indoors or in a greenhouse.
But, you need to also provide sunlight and plenty of fresh air to the seedlings.
How Do You Tell The Difference Between A Male And Female Asparagus?
Female asparagus plants produce thinner and smaller spears than their male counterparts.
You can also notice that the sizes of female flowers are smaller than male asparagus plants.
The female asparagus flowers have one stamen and six pistils. But, the male flowers have six pistils and one stamen.
This is the biggest difference between male and female asparagus plants.
Why Are My Asparagus Seedlings Falling Over?
Your asparagus seedlings can fall over due to pests like asparagus beetles or frost.
Also, if the plant’s health is weak because of improper watering or less sunlight, the seedlings may fall over.
Sometimes, harsh weather such as a strong wind can also lead to this condition.
For this reason, you need to use fertilizers while growing asparagus from seedlings.
Common Mistakes Growing Asparagus
Here are some common mistakes that you need to avoid while growing asparagus.
Suggested by 2 Minutes Garden Tips, these really helped me with my plants.
Harvesting Fast
Asparagus plants need 3 years to mature till harvest time.
So, you need to be very patient and avoid harvesting before this time. The roots of your asparagus plants need energy so that the spears turn into ferns.
Only if you’re having a late freeze, you can harvest in the second year. That’s because if you don’t harvest during this time, the spears will fall over anyway.
The crop will be wasted if you don’t harvest before frost.
How Deep Should Asparagus Be Planted?
You need to plant asparagus 1 inch deep in the soil.
As I’ve already mentioned, asparagus needs well-drained soil to grow well. If the soil is too much moisture, the growth may get harmed.
If you’re planting asparagus in rows, you need to maintain a distance of 1 foot.
And the distance between each plant has to be 2-3 inches.
What Can You Not Plant Next To Asparagus?
Tomatoes are the best plants that you can grow next to asparagus.
Tomato plants keep asparagus beetles at bay, keeping them safe.
In return, asparagus plants also benefit tomatoes by repelling some common pests.
Can I Grow Asparagus From Store Bought Asparagus?
Yes, you can absolutely grow asparagus from store-bought asparagus.
If you want quicker growth, planting crowns will be a better option.
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Asparagus?
Here are some great options if you’re looking for a fertilizer for asparagus:
1. Miracle-Gro Plant Food
It’s an all-purpose plant fertilizer suitable for asparagus and other veggies.
Pros
- Water soluble
- Contains plant nutrients
- Also suitable for flowers
- Won’t burn hands
Cons
- Usage isn’t easy
2. Burpee Granular Plant Food
It’s a great formula that’ll grow your asparagus and other plants healthily in all seasons.
Pros
- Natural formula
- Versatile usage
- Easy to apply
- Fast results
Cons
- Expensive
3. Jobe’s Organics Plant Food Spikes
This plant food from Jobe’s is ideal for your herb garden and asparagus plants.
Pros
- Contains plant superfood
- Organic formula
- Increases root mass
- Cleans the soil
Cons
- Isn’t versatile
4. Shake ‘N Feed by Miracle-Gro
This ready-to-use fertilizer is perfect for asparagus, tomatoes, and other veggies.
Pros
- Feeds soil microbes
- Contains multiple micronutrients
- Cures calcium deficiency
- Natural formula
Cons
- High-priced
5. Down to Earth Acid Mix
Your asparagus plants need an acid mix and this one is apt for boosting their pH level.
Pros
- Boosts pH level
- Ideal for many plants
- Promotes root growth
- Enhances weather resistance
Cons
- Usage isn’t easy
Conclusion
So, is growing asparagus from seedlings easy?
Now, you already know the answer!
So, just go ahead and create a lush green garden with healthy asparagus.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Homestead Lifestyle Board!!
