How and When to Plant Asparagus Crowns in the UK

Frost dates in 2026 are set to the UK average. Click here to set dates to YOUR town

Planting Asparagus Step by Step in the UK

This page describes how to plant asparagus crowns. If you want grow your own asparagus from seed, rather than buy asparagus crowns from a garden centre or online, then see our page about sowing asparagus seeds.

First, prepare an asparagus bed in early March (or the previous autumn) as described on this page.

Order your asparagus crowns, if buying online, by early March at the latest to ensure you will receive the varieties you have chosen.

If you have purchased your asparagus crowns online from a seed company like Suttons, Thompson & Morgan etc., then the general rule is to plant the crowns within a week or so of delivery but do read the instructions on the packets.

Good seed companies will ensure that you receive delivery of your asparagus crowns at the correct time. It is likely to be the end of March to mid May time.

If you are buying your asparagus crowns from a garden centre then we would strongly suggest buying the crowns mid to end of March and planting them within a week or so of purchase.

Be aware that many garden centres have asparagus crowns on display for purchase as early as mid-January. I live in the Midlands (average as far as weather is concerned) and if I planted asparagus crowns in January they would probably be damaged by planting that early.

Some garden centres just want to sell as much as they can, as early as they can, to maximise profits without regard to suitable planting times.

HOW TO PLANT ASPARAGUS CROWNS

Dig out one or more trenches (each trench being 45cm / 18in apart), wide and long enough for the number of asparagus crowns you wish to plant. The diagram below shows a suggested planting plan which can easily be expanded in width and /or length. The letters "AC" in the diagram stand for an asparagus crown.

The key points to note are that each asparagus crown is separated by at least 45cm from the nearest asparagus crown. Just as importantly, each crown is at least 23cm from the edge of the asparagus bed. This allows the crowns sufficient room for their roots to grow into the surrounding soil.

Using the planting plan suggested above, dig out three trenches (one for each horizontal row) which is roughly 20cm / 8in deep and 30cm / 1ft wide.

The depth of the trench will affect the diameter of asparagus spears produced, how early they are produced and also how frost hardy the crowns will be.

A trench dug slightly deeper than the suggested 20cm / 8in (say, 25cm / 10in) will result in slightly thicker spears which are produced slightly later and the crown will be more frost resistant.

A trench dug slightly shallower, for example to 15cm / 6in will result in slightly thinner spears which are produced slightly earlier and will be less frost resistant. A depth of 20cm / 8in is a good compromise for most situations in the UK.

For each asparagus crown to be planted use some of the soil from the trench to create a rounded mound about 10cm / 4in high and 25cm / 10in in diameter. Drape the roots of the of the asparagus crown over the mound with the growing point pointing upwards at the top.

Cover the roots with more soil to the level of the surrounding undug soil. The growing point may well now be covered or just showing trough, that's fine. Water well to settle the soil in and fully hydrate the crown.

Finally, if at all possible, mulch the asparagus bed - garden compost, well-rotted manure or wood chips which will help the soil to retain moisture and deter weeds.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
CONCERNING THIS PAGE, ENTER THEM BELOW.
WE WILL ANSWER ON THIS PAGE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

PRIVACY POLICY

COOKIE POLICY

CONTACT US