If you’re planning an asparagus bed, one of the first questions you’ll ask is how many asparagus plants per person you need to grow. Getting this number right means a generous harvest without wasting precious garden space.
Asparagus is a perennial investment, producing for 15 years or more. That’s why planning is so important. This guide will help you calculate the perfect number of crowns, explain optimal spacing, and walk you through planting for a succesful harvest.
How Many Asparagus Plants Per Person
For a continuous harvest that feeds one person throughout the spring season, most gardeners aim for 10 to 15 asparagus plants. This is a reliable standard. If you’re a huge fan who eats it almost daily, lean toward 15 crowns per person. For more occasional eating, 10 will likely suffice.
For a family of four, this translates to 40 to 60 plants. Remember, you won’t harvest at all in the first two years, and only lightly in the third. Your patience will be rewarded with decades of yield.
Factors That Influence Your Plant Count
Your personal appetite is the biggest factor. Do you look forward to asparagus season all year? Or do you enjoy it a few times a week? Adjust your count accordingly.
Available garden space is another major consideration. A 40-plant bed requires a significant area. If space is limited, you might choose to plant fewer crowns and supplement your harvest from the market.
The variety you choose can also affect yield. Some modern hybrid male varieties, like ‘Jersey Knight’ or ‘Millennium,’ are bred to be more productive than older heirloom types.
Calculating for Your Family’s Needs
Use this simple formula:
- Number of People x Plants Per Person (10-15) = Total Crowns Needed.
- Example: 4 people x 12 plants each = 48 asparagus crowns.
It’s always smart to add a couple extra crowns to account for any that don’t thrive. A few extra spears never hurt anyone!
Understanding Asparagus Yield Over Time
Asparagus plants need time to establish. Here’s what to expect:
- Year 1 (Planting Year): No harvest. Let the ferns grow to build the crown.
- Year 2: No harvest. Continue to nurture the fern growth.
- Year 3: Light harvest for 3-4 weeks. Take only spears thicker than a pencil.
- Year 4+: Full harvest for 6-8 weeks each spring.
A mature plant can produce about 1/2 pound of spears per season. So, 10 mature plants can yield around 5 pounds of asparagus over the harvest window.
The Complete Guide to Asparagus Spacing
Proper spacing is non-negotiable for healthy, productive asparagus. Crowded plants compete for nutrients and are more prone to disease. Here’s how to space them correctly.
In-Ground Bed Spacing
Traditional in-ground planting is the most common method. The spacing allows each plant’s extensive root system to develop fully.
- Between Plants: 12 to 18 inches apart in the row.
- Between Rows: 4 to 5 feet apart.
This wide row spacing gives you room to walk and weed between the beds once the tall ferns have grown. It also ensures good air circulation, which is vital for preventing fungal diseases like rust.
Raised Bed Spacing
Raised beds offer excellent drainage, which asparagus loves. You can often plant slightly closer together because the soil is typically deeper and looser.
- Between Plants: 12 to 15 inches apart.
- In a standard 4-foot wide raised bed, you can plant two rows, staggering the plants for efficiency.
Just ensure your raised bed is at least 12 inches deep, but 18 inches is even better for the long taproots.
Why Spacing Matters So Much
Asparagus crowns need room for their roots to spread out and access water and nutrients. Good spacing also makes it easier to weed and mulch around the plants. Overcrowding is a common mistake that leads to weak, spindly spears and a shorter lifespan for the bed.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for the best start to your asparagus patch.
1. Site Selection and Soil Prep
Asparagus needs full sun—at least 8 hours a day. Choose a permanent spot at the edge of your garden where it won’t be disturbed.
The soil should be well-draining. Asparagus hates wet feet. A week or two before planting, work the soil deeply, incorporating 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
2. Planting the Crowns
Plant in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable.
- Dig a trench 6 to 8 inches deep and about 12 inches wide.
- Create a small mound of soil down the center of the trench.
- Drape the asparagus crowns over the mound, letting the roots hang down on either side.
- Space the crowns 12-18 inches apart along the mound.
- Cover the crowns initially with just 2 inches of soil.
3. The Gradual Fill-In Method
As the spears begin to grow, gradually fill in the trench with more soil over the course of the first summer. By the end of the season, the trench should be filled level with the soil surface. This method gives young spears protection and supports the developing plants.
Long-Term Care for Maximum Harvest
Your work after planting ensures a bountiful harvest for years.
Watering and Mulching
Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first two years and during dry spells. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week. A thick layer of straw or shredded leaf mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Feeding and Fertilizing
Asparagus are heavy feeders. Each early spring, before spears emerge, apply a balanced fertilizer. Then, after you stop harvesting and let the ferns grow, feed them again with compost or a fertilizer to support next year’s crop.
Weeding and Winter Care
Weed carefully by hand to avoid damaging the shallow crowns. In late fall, after the ferns have turned yellow and died back, you can cut them down to the ground. Some gardeners leave them until early spring to provide winter protection for the crowns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Harvesting Too Soon: This is the biggest error. You must wait until the third year for a real harvest to let the plants become strong.
- Poor Site Choice: Planting in shade or soggy soil will doom your bed from the start.
- Shallow Planting: Not digging a deep enough trench can lead to weak plants.
- Neglecting Weed Control: Weeds compete fiercely with young asparagus crowns and can easily overtake them.
FAQ: Your Asparagus Questions Answered
How much asparagus does one plant produce?
A mature plant (4+ years old) can produce about 1/2 pound of spears over the 6-8 week harvest season. Yield increases as the plant matures further.
Can I grow asparagus from seed?
Yes, but it adds an extra 2-3 years before your first harvest. Most gardeners prefer to start with 1-year-old crowns for a head start. Seeds are a more economical choice for very large plantings though.
What are the best asparagus varieties for home gardens?
Male hybrids are often recommended because they don’t produce seeds, so they put more energy into spear production. Good choices include ‘Jersey Knight,’ ‘Jersey Giant,’ and ‘Millennium.’ ‘Purple Passion’ is a popular heirloom with sweet, purple spears.
How do I know when to stop harvesting asparagus?
Stop harvesting when the spears that emerge are thinner than a pencil. This usually happens 6-8 weeks after the first spears appear. Then, let all the spears grow into tall ferns to recharge the crowns for next year.
Do I need to plant male and female plants together?
No. Modern all-male hybrids are the most productive. If you plant a standard variety, it will include both male and female plants. The female plants produce red berries, which can lead to volunteer seedlings that crowd the bed.
Planning your asparagus bed with the right number of plants and correct spacing sets you up for decades of successful harvests. By starting with 10-15 crowns per person and giving them the room and care they need, you’ll be enjoying homegrown asparagus every spring. Remember, the initial patience required is well worth the reward of having your own perennial vegetable patch.