The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Asparagus officinalis

Asparagus officinalis

ah-SPARE-ah-gus oh-fi-shi-NAH-lis Audio

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable whose edible shoots are harvested in spring. Male plants produce better crop yields because they do not flower or fruit. The foliage is garden worthy because of its tall size and masses of feathery, delicate texture. Female plants may self-seed abundantly. Plants do not like to be moved, so choose a permanent location. Foliage is useful in floral arrangements.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThe feathery, fernlike masses of the mature stems made a good backdrop for bedding plants.

CareChoose a sheltered site in partial shade with fertile, moist but well-drained soil.

PropagationSow seed at 61°F in autumn or early spring.

ProblemsFusarium crown rot and Helminthosporium and Cercospora leaf spots are common. Rust, anthracnose, and canker occur. Slugs, spider mites, and aphids are also problems.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Hunter Industries MP-1000-90 Hunter Nozzle

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- 8' to 15' radius with an adjustable arc of 90° to 210°, radius can be reduced by up to 25% to fit landscape needs
- Double-pop technology flushes the nozzle during start-up and shutdown to prevent clogging
- Wind-resistant, multi-directional streams provide even coverage
Buy at Amazon

Lee Valley Large Gardener's Wash Basket

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This basket was designed to be used by gardeners to wash freshly harvested vegetables before taking them inside. You can gather your vegetables and then hose them off right in the same basket. However, you can also use it for fruit or add a cloth liner for serving bread or other baked goods. Measuring 16" long, 11" wide and 4" deep, it is made of chrome-plated steel to resist rust.
Buy at Lee Valley

Lee Valley Mini Garden Shear Set

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

These shears have a distinctive finger rest that not only aids grip but allows greater freedom of movement than a conventional handle design. They have a durable powder-coat finish to resist rust and wear, and a simple clasp that locks the spring-action stainless-steel blades closed. The set includes one pair of round-nose shears measuring 5 1/2" overall with 1" blades for cutting stems up to 3/8" in diameter, and one pair of 6 1/2" needle-nose shears with 2" fine-tip blades for precise work.
Buy at Lee Valley
  • Genus : Asparagus
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Flower Color : Green, White
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Light : Partial Shade
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Already a member?

X

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Search our database of 1738 Plants

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Fine Gardening Magazine

Fine Gardening - Issue 223
Gardening: The Original Outdoor Living | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 222
February Does Have a Purpose After All | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 221
Tips for Upcycling Garden Trash into Useful Tools
Fine Gardening – Issue 220
End-of-Season Regrets | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.