How long does it take for asparagus to grow from seed?
Asparagus seeds can take 21 days — and even far longer — to germinate. A savvy gardener knows to not give up because young shoots may be about to emerge. The seedlings themselves require several weeks to reach two inches in height, the size right for transplanting into a growing bed.
What does asparagus look like growing from seed?
The seeds start out as dense clusters of round green seedpods. They’ll take months to ripen to a full dark red color. While at first, it may look like a huge harvest of asparagus seed, don’t count your eggs before their hatched.
Can you transplant asparagus seedlings?
They should sprout anywhere between two and eight weeks from planting asparagus seeds. Seedlings are ready to transplant when they are 10 to 12 weeks old and all danger of frost in your area has passed. Space the transplants 18 inches (46 cm.) apart in rows set 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm.)
Can asparagus be grown in containers?
Choose a large container, approximately 7 to 8 inches deep and at least 3 to 6 feet wide to accommodate the size of the plant at maturity. If you have limited outdoor space, container-grown asparagus can thrive indoors in a window that receives full sun. Asparagus is able to develop spears at room temperature.
What does asparagus look like when ready?
Spears are ready to harvest when they are about 6 to 8 inches tall and at least a half-inch thick. If the tip of the spear has started to open and produce foliage, otherwise known as going to seed, you’ve waited too long to pick it. It’s still technically edible, but it will be woody and tough.
Does asparagus multiply?
When asparagus plants are growing in a sunny site with good drainage, proper irrigation, and adequate nutrients, the plants multiply and become crowded over time. A mature stand of asparagus plants produces spears over several weeks, and even up to eight weeks.
Can asparagus be grown in pots?
Asparagus Needs Adequate Space For this reason, asparagus isn’t usually recommended for container planting. Most containers are not large enough for growing asparagus. If you have the room in your garden, asparagus thrives when planted directly in the ground or in a large raised bed with ample space.
Can you direct sow asparagus seeds?
Starting Asparagus From Seed Asparagus seeds grow best when soils are between 77 and 86 degrees. If you plan to sow seeds directly in the garden, you can check the soil temperature with a soil thermometer. Plant the seeds between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch deep in drills. Space rows about 18 inches apart.
Can I move established asparagus?
While asparagus can be transplanted any time during dormancy, early spring is the most suitable, just before plants have begun waking up. This usually makes it easier when trying to dig through the tentacle-like roots.
How far apart do you space asparagus?
Rows of asparagus should be at least 2 feet apart, allowing two rows to fit in a 4-foot wide bed. For every 8 feet of row space, you will need about a wheelbarrow filled two-thirds of the way with equal parts of the excavated soil and compost.