Vegetable · Asparagaceae family
asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
In short a 10-second read
Asparagus (vegetable) grows to 0.9–1.8 m tall and 0.45–0.9 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Sow in March–April. Plant out in March–April. Harvest in April–June. Hardy to −40 °C.
× spread 0.45–0.9 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −40 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: little
Soil: sandy, loamy, humus-rich
Soil pH 6–8
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–3 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
harvest regularly (April–June); let the leaves turn yellow (June–September); cut back to the ground (October–November)
Sowing
direct sowing: March–April
Planting out
bare-root: March–April
Harvest
April–June
Winter protection
mulch the crown
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: mulch the crown.
- Mulch the crown
- Hardy to −40 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow asparagus?
In March–April (direct sowing).
When is asparagus harvested?
In April–June.
Does asparagus tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does asparagus need?
At maturity 0.45–0.9 m wide and 0.9–1.8 m tall; recommended spacing 45 cm.
Does asparagus survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: mulch the crown.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (9)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Asparagus officinalis
- The Old Farmer's Almanac — Planting and Growing Asparagus
- RHS — Asparagus — grow your own
- Illinois Wildflowers — Wild Asparagus
- Wikidata (CC0) — Asparagus officinalis
- GBIF — species match API
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
