If you’re looking to expand your asparagus patch, you might be wondering how to grow asparagus from cutting. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, which is a bit different than starting from seed or crowns but can be a rewarding way to propagate your favorite plants.
Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that’s typically grown from one-year-old crowns or seeds. However, propagating from cuttings, specifically from the root system of an established plant, is a viable method. It allows you to clone a plant you particularly like. Let’s get started on how you can do this succesfully in your own garden.
How To Grow Asparagus From Cutting
First, it’s crucial to understand what we mean by a “cutting.” For asparagus, we’re not taking a stem cutting like you would with many herbs. Instead, we are dividing the plant’s root crown. This technique is often called crown division, and it’s the most reliable way to propagate asparagus vegetatively. You’ll need an healthy, established asparagus plant that’s at least three years old.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your tools and materials beforehand makes the job smoother. You won’t need anything too fancy, just a few basic gardening supplies.
- A mature, healthy asparagus plant.
- A sharp, clean spade or garden fork.
- Sharp pruning shears or a serrated knife.
- Compost or well-rotted manure.
- A bucket of water.
- Containers or a prepared new garden bed.
- Balanced organic fertilizer.
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
Timing is everything for this task. The best time to take asparagus crown divisions is in early spring, just as the new spears are beginning to emerge from the ground. This is when the plant is coming out of dormancy and has the most energy for root growth. Alternatively, you can do this in late fall after the ferns have died back.
Step 2: Carefully Dig Up the Parent Plant
Start by gently loosening the soil in a wide circle around the asparagus plant with your fork or spade. Be careful not to damage the roots. Asparagus crowns sit quite deep, so dig down at least 8-10 inches. Lift the entire clump out of the ground and place it in your bucket of water. This helps to gently wash away the soil so you can see the root structure clearly.
Step 3: Divide the Crown
Once the soil is washed off, you’ll see the mass of roots and the buds (or “eyes”) that become spears. Your goal is to cut this clump into sections. Each viable division needs to have a good portion of healthy roots and at least two or three plump buds. Use your sharp, clean knife or shears to make clean cuts through the crown. Don’t worry if some of the thicker storage roots snap; the plant can handle it.
Important Tip for Healthy Divisions
Inspect each section as you cut. Discard any pieces that look diseased, mushy, or have very few roots. It’s better to have fewer, strong divisions than many weak ones. If the parent plant is very large, you might get four or five good new plants from it.
Step 4: Prepare the New Planting Site
Asparagus loves sun and well-drained soil. Choose a spot that gets at least 8 hours of sunlight. Dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 10 inches wide. Mix the excavated soil with plenty of compost or aged manure. This rich, loose soil at the bottom of the trench will give your new plants a fantastic start. You can also plant divisions in large, deep containers if space is limited.
Step 5: Plant Your Asparagus Cuttings
Now, it’s time to plant your divisions. Create a small mound of your soil-compost mix in the bottom of the trench for each division. Drape the roots over the mound so they spread out naturally. The buds should be facing upward. Cover the division with about 2 inches of your soil mix. As the spears grow over the season, you’ll gradually fill in the trench with the remaining soil.
Step 6: Initial Care and Watering
Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly. This settles the soil around the roots and eliminates air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first growing season. This is critical for helping the new plants establish a strong root system. A layer of mulch around (but not touching) the spears will help retain moisture and supress weeds.
Step 7: Long-Term Care for Your New Plants
Patience is key with asparagus. You should not harvest any spears from these new divisions for the first two years. Let the ferns grow and photosynthesize to build energy in the roots. In the third year, you can harvest for about 2-3 weeks. By the fourth year, you’ll have a full harvest season. Feed your bed with a balanced fertilizer each spring and fall after the first year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a good guide, it’s easy to make a few errors. Here are the big ones to watch out for.
- Dividing Too Young a Plant: Never divide a plant younger than three years. It needs to be strong enough to handle the stress.
- Planting Too Shallow or Too Deep: Planting the buds too deep can smother them. Too shallow and the roots won’t be protected.
- Overharvesting Too Soon: This is the most common mistake. Harvesting before the plant is established weakens it for future years.
- Poor Soil Preparation: Skimping on compost and organic matter leads to weak growth. Asparagus is a heavy feeder and will be in that spot for 20+ years.
Troubleshooting Your Asparagus Cuttings
If your new plants seem to be struggling, here’s what to check.
- Yellowing Ferns: Could indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency. Check your soil moisture and consider a soil test.
- No Spears Emerging: The division may not have had viable buds, or it was planted upside down. It also might just need more time to recover from the division process.
- Thin, Spindly Spears: This is normal for the first couple years. It can also mean the plant needs more sunlight or better fertilization.
FAQ: Your Asparagus Propagation Questions Answered
Can you grow asparagus from store-bought spears?
No, the fresh spears you buy at the grocery store are the harvested stems and will not root. They lack the necessary bud and root tissue to become a new plant.
How long does it take for asparagus cuttings to produce?
From a crown division, you will see spears the first spring after planting. However, you must resist harvesting them for two full growing seasons to let the plant mature.
What is the best soil for asparagus cuttings?
Deep, sandy loam that drains well is ideal. They dislike heavy, waterlogged clay soils. Amending your soil with lots of organic matter before planting is the single best thing you can do.
Can I grow asparagus from cuttings in pots?
Yes, you can. Choose a very large, deep container (at least 18 inches deep and wide) for each division. Ensure it has excellent drainage and be vigilant about watering and feeding, as potted plants dry out and use nutrients faster.
When should I fertilize my new asparagus plants?
You can mix a slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil at planting time. After that, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as spears emerge and again after the harvest season ends in early summer.
Learning how to grow asparagus from cutting through division is a fantastic skill for any gardener. It saves money, allows you to propogate your best plants, and can help you fill out a bed more quickly than starting from seed. Remember, the key factors are starting with a mature plant, making clean divisions with good roots and buds, and preparing a deep, rich planting site. With proper care and a lot of patience, you’ll be enjoying homegrown asparagus from your own propagated plants for many springs to come. It’s a long-term investment that truly pays of in the end.