The Asparagus plant is one of the first plants that greet us when spring comes around. Asparagus is also a perennial plant, meaning the leaves will always appear year after year. Another thing I like about the Asparagus plant is that its ferny foliage can be used as an ornament.
However, before discussing the Asparagus’s ornamental prowess, we must first address the spacing issue. The spacing of Asparagus will heavily impact the result you get from the plant. So, how is this perennial plant spaced? Read on.
How Far Apart to Space Asparagus Plants
When asparagus plants are started from seed instead of crowns, they are less likely to experience transplant shock. Additionally, compared to a plant grown from a crown, an asparagus plant grown from seed will provide more harvests throughout its lifetime.
Eight to ten weeks before you want to put transplants in the garden, sow the seeds.
Before planting, soak seeds in compost tea for five to ten minutes to help prevent disease.
In a seed-starting mix or thin potting soil, sow seeds 112 inches deep in the soil. Sow the seeds in separate containers. When the temperature gets to 75°F, the seeds will begin to sprout in 7–21 days.
Before the weather outside is warm enough for transplanting, place seedlings in a cold frame or greenhouse to continue growing. Temperatures of 60° to 70°F are the ideal temperature for growing Asparagus, and reduce the heat to 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit once the seeds have sprouted.
Spacing Asparagus Seeds Outdoors
Early in the spring, plant Asparagus seeds outside in a covered nursery bed or beneath a temporary plastic tunnel or cold frame.
To spread your Asparagus outdoors, space the rows 18 inches apart and sow two seeds per inch.
Plants should be spaced 4 inches apart after they are 3 inches tall.
By the end of the summer, move the male to a permanent location at the end of the summer. Although you can continue to develop female plants, they will yield fewer spears than male plants.
Spacing Asparagus Crowns Outdoors
Alternatively, you can plant and space Asparagus crowns outdoors. As soon as the soil can be handled and the temperature has reached at least 50°F, asparagus crowns can be planted in the garden in the early spring.
Be careful not to plant young plants in air temperatures below 40°F, or frost, because this can kill the plants. Did you know that many gardeners grow potatoes and Asparagus simultaneously?
Before you sow your Asparagus as crowns, they should be soaked in compost tea for 10 to 15 minutes before planting.
When planting an Asparagus outside, create a mound. The crown should then be placed atop the mound, and its roots should be draped over the sides. The crowns should be spaced by 18 to 24 inches. Proceed to cover the crowns with 2 inches of dirt.
Once the spears start to emerge, cover them once more with earth 2 inches deep as they emerge from the crown. Repeat the procedure until the trench has been gradually filled in. As you fill the earth, expose a small portion of the spears. Keep piling soil over the spears so plants can grow on ridges or rows at least 4 inches tall as the spears develop.
Asparagus Plant Spacing in Raised Bed
The size of the bed you want to use to plant your Asparagus will determine the amount you produce. For each plant to grow properly, there must be 12 inches between them, the bed’s sides, and all other plants.
Asparagus rows should also be spaced 24 inches apart. Also, you may grow up to 14 asparagus plants in a raised bed that is 8 feet by 4 feet. Up to six Asparagus plants can fit in a raised bed.
Since Asparagus only needs 12 inches of separation from raised bed walls and other plants, it can be grown in either large or small raised beds.
Did you know that sixteen Asparagus plants can be grown in an eight by four raised bed? Planting sixteen Asparagus plants in an eight by four raised bed will yield a sizable crop. Asparagus can be planted in a raised bed along with tomatoes and other vegetables.
Spacing Asparagus in Containers
You can plant your Asparagus in a container if you need more space in your garden. One of the most important choices you’ll make before planting in a container is choosing the right-sized container for growing Asparagus. The entire planting could fail if your pot is the wrong size, and that’s how serious it is.
Remember that Asparagus is a perennial crop, This is why its roots need a lot of room to spread, and containers can be rather restrictive.
Each container can hold only one plant when planting your Asparagus. Your plant will likely experience poor health and may get a root disease that will kill both plants if you try to fit more than one plant into a container.
To grow potted asparagus plants, you must have a pot at least 20–24 inches deep and 20–24 inches in diameter. The Asparagus plant can be grown in plastic or terra cotta containers. But I usually advise people to choose plastic because it is less expensive and less likely to break. Here is a piece of advice I will give you when planting an Asparagus: Ensure that multiple drainage holes are available on the underside of the container is another essential step.