Where to Buy Asparagus Crowns for Planting?

Asparagus is an excellent perennial vegetable to plant in your garden. When it comes to where to buy asparagus crowns for planting, there are many options available, including local garden centers and online nurseries. When buying crowns, be sure to choose healthy ones from reputable sellers as a good asparagus bed will provide you with a harvest for 15-20 years or more.

Whether you’re growing asparagus crowns in a garden, raised bed, or container, it’s important to choose high quality crowns to ensure a strong asparagus patch.

Where to Buy Asparagus Crowns for Planting: Best Places & Tips

You can purchase asparagus crowns from several reliable sources:

Local Garden Centers and Nurseries

Asparagus crowns are usually found at local nurseries in late winter and early spring. Buying locally gives you the opportunity to look at the crowns in person and choose the varieties that are right for your region.

Benefits include:

• Fresh crowns that have minimal shipping stress
• Expert growing advice
• Climate-adapted varieties

Online Plant Nurseries

Local stores may not have as many varieties of asparagus as online nurseries, including Jersey Knight, Jersey Giant, Purple Passion and Mary Washington.

•       Jersey Giant
•       Purple Passion
•       Mary Washington

If ordering online, choose sellers who have good reviews and guarantees about the quality of their plants.

Farm Supply Stores

Asparagus crowns that have been planted without soil are available at many farm and garden supply stores during the planting season. They are typically a good value for growers who are planting in volume.

With the knowledge of where to purchase crowns, let’s discuss why many gardeners prefer to begin their asparagus garden this way.

Asparagus is often grown from crowns instead of seeds because they take less time to establish and start producing asparagus.

Crowns are 1-year-old asparagus root, strong and ready to grow. They mature spears earlier than seeds.

Prior to planting, check crowns for:

• Firm roots
• Healthy buds
• No signs of rot or mold
• Well-developed root systems

How to store asparagus crowns before planting

If you are unable to plant crowns right away, store them in a cool, slightly moist location to ensure good crop response.

Store crowns in:

• A cool location
• Slightly moist packing material
• Temperatures between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C)

Avoid allowing the crowns to become completely dry, but do not overwater them either.

When to Plant Asparagus Crowns for Best Results

It’s crucial to plant asparagus crowns at the right time for success. The best time to plant asparagus crowns is during the dormant season.

Most gardeners grow asparagus crowns:

• Early spring when the soil is workable
• The following are also recommended for use before active growth occurs

Fall is the time to plant Asparagus Crowns, but when and how?

Asparagus crowns can be planted in the fall in areas with mild winters, including parts of the southern United States and coastal areas. The mild fall temperatures allow roots to become established before winter.

Planting Asparagus Crowns in the Fall: Step-by-Step

When planting asparagus crowns in the fall, make sure the soil drains well. Mulch after planting to keep roots cool in cooler weather.

Autumn Planting Asparagus Crowns UK: Regional Tips

If planting asparagus crowns in the UK during autumn, follow the local weather patterns and plant several weeks before first hard frost to allow roots to grow.

Planting Asparagus Crowns Australia: Best Practices

Asparagus crowns can be planted at different times across Australia, depending on the region. The majority of gardeners plant in cooler months when soil moisture and temperatures are conducive to root development.

How to & benefits of planting Asparagus Crowns in Raised Beds?

Asparagus crowns are frequently planted in raised beds for home gardeners because it offers good drainage and better control of soil characteristics.

Benefits include:

• Better root development
• Reduced soil compaction
• Easier weed management
• Improved drainage

Planting Asparagus Crowns in a Raised Bed: Preparation Guide

If you plant asparagus crowns in a raised bed, select a bed that is at least 12 inches deep. Add compost and organic matter to the soil prior to planting.

Space crowns:

• 12 to 18 inches apart
• The rows are spaced 3-4 feet apart

Raised beds will warm up early in spring, which will assist asparagus in starting earlier.

Do I Soak Asparagus Crowns Before Planting?

One frequently asked question is about whether you should pre-soak asparagus crowns before planting.

Yes, it is better to soak the crowns for a few hours before planting as it helps rehydrate the roots and makes transplanting less stressful for the plants.

Why and how to soak Asparagus Crowns before planting

Let crowns soak in room temperature water for 2-4 hours. Do not soak overnight as this will cause rot.

Asparagus Crowns Planting Depth: How Deep to Plant

It is crucial to plant asparagus crowns at the proper depth for good growth.

Dig trenches:

• 6 to 8 inches deep
• 12 inches wide

Spread the roots out and cover with 2-3 inches of soil to get started.

For Asparagus Crowns (Trench Method):

Continue to fill the trench with soil as the asparagus grows until it is flush with the ground at the end of the growing season.

Planting Asparagus Crowns in Containers: Space-Saving Tips

Garden beds are best but if gardening space is limited, asparagus crowns can be planted in containers.

Choose containers that are:

• The depth of the hole is at least 18 inches.
• Widely spaced enough to allow roots to grow
• Has drainage holes

Container-grown asparagus needs more frequent watering and fertilizer than ground-grown asparagus.

When is the asparagus crown ready for harvest? (Exact Timeline)

A common question is how long does it take after planting asparagus crowns until fresh spears can be harvested? Be patient, asparagus takes time to mature.

How Long After Planting Asparagus Crowns Can You Harvest? (Harvest Guide)

Generally:

• Year 1: No harvesting
• Year 2: Light harvesting for a few weeks
• Year 3 and beyond: Full harvest season

If you’re wondering when to harvest after planting asparagus crowns, it’s best to wait until the third growing season. This will ensure you have the healthiest and most productive plants.

Conclusion: Buying Asparagus Crowns & Planting Tips

Local garden centers, online nurseries, and farm supply stores are good places to purchase asparagus crowns. Select firm, healthy, bare root crowns. Store in cool, moist location if not planting immediately, In mild climates, plant in early spring or fall, and moisten crowns before planting. Apply the correct depth and consider raised beds or containers for space or drainage. For best results wait 2-3 years before harvesting. To maintain your asparagus patch for many years, follow these tips.