When To Plant Asparagus In Kansas

If you’re planning a perennial vegetable patch in Kansas, knowing when to plant asparagus is the most important step. Getting the timing right for this long-lived crop sets the stage for decades of harvests. This guide gives you the specific Kansas-focused advice you need for success.

Planting asparagus is a commitment, but one that pays off for 20 years or more. In Kansas, our variable climate and soil types present unique challenges. We’ll cover everything from the best calendar dates to soil prep and variety selection.

The perfect planting window for asparagus in Kansas is a narrow one. It hinges on soil temperature and the last frost of spring. The goal is to get crowns in the ground as soon as the soil is workable.

For most of Kansas, the ideal time is early spring. Target a period between late March and mid-April. The soil should be around 50°F and no longer frozen or soggy. Planting to late can give the crowns a weak start before summer heat arrives.

Understanding Your Kansas Climate Zone

Kansas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a. This affects your precise planting date.

Northwest Kansas (Zones 5b-6a): Aim for early to mid-April. Wait for the soil to dry out enough to crumble in your hand.
Central Kansas (Zones 6a-6b): This includes areas like Wichita. Late March to early April is usually safe.
Southeast Kansas (Zones 6b-7a): You can often plant a bit earlier, in late March. The warmer winters here allow for a slightly longer growing season.

Always let the soil condition be your final guide, not just the calendar. A cold, wet spring means you should wait.

Fall Planting: A Risky Alternative

Some gardeners consider fall planting. In Kansas, this is generally not recommended. Newly planted crowns are vulnerable to heaving from freeze-thaw cycles over winter. They can also rot in wet fall soils. For the best establishment, spring planting is the reliable choice.

Choosing the Right Asparagus Varieties for Kansas

Selecting a variety suited to our climate improves your results. Look for rust-resistant and vigorous types.

Jersey Series (Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, Jersey Supreme): All-male hybrids that produce more spears. They are very cold-tolerant and do well across Kansas.
Purple Passion: A sweet, purple variety that turns green when cooked. It’s slightly less productive but adds nice color to the garden.
Mary Washington: A reliable heirloom that is rust-resistant. It’s a solid performer if you prefer open-pollinated types.

Purchase healthy, firm, one-year-old crowns from a reputable source. They’ll establish faster than seed.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Proper planting is non-negotiable for a healthy asparagus bed. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Site Selection is Key

Asparagus needs full sun—at least 8 hours daily. Choose a well-drained spot at the edge of your garden where it won’t be disturbed. Remember, this bed will be there for decades.

2. Soil Preparation: The Most Important Step

Kansas soils often need improvement. Asparagus thrives in fertile, sandy loam with a neutral pH (6.5-7.5).

Test your soil pH and nutrient levels. Your local extension office can help with this.
Remove all perennial weeds. They are your biggest competitor.
Dig a trench 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Loosen the soil at the bottom another few inches.
Mix in a generous amount of compost or well-rotted manure with the native soil. Add a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer as per soil test recommendations.

3. Planting the Crowns

Create a 6-inch high mound of your amended soil down the center of the trench.
Drape the asparagus crowns over the mound, letting the roots hang down on the sides. Space crowns 12-18 inches apart.
Cover the crowns with 2-3 inches of your soil mix. Water thoroughly.
As the spears begin to grow through the soil, gradually fill in the trench with more soil mix over several weeks until it’s level with the surrounding ground.

Caring for Your Young Asparagus Bed

The first two years are about building strong roots, not harvesting.

Watering: Provide 1-2 inches of water per week, especially during dry Kansas summers. Deep, infrequent watering is best.
Weeding: Hand-weed diligently. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to supress weeds and retain moisture.
Fertilizing: Side-dress with compost or a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the ferns stop growing in mid-summer.
Pest Watch: Asparagus beetles are the main pest. Hand-pick them and their eggs off the ferns.

The Harvest: Patience Pays Off

Resist the urge to harvest too soon. This is the hardest part for new gardeners.

Year 1: Do not harvest. Let all spears grow into tall, ferny foliage.
Year 2: You can harvest lightly for 2-3 weeks if the plants look vigorous.
Year 3 and Beyond: Harvest spears for 6-8 weeks in spring. Stop when spears become thinner than a pencil.

To harvest, snap or cut spears at ground level when they are 6-8 inches tall.

Seasonal Maintenance for Established Beds

Once established, your asparagus needs simple annual care.

Late Fall/Winter: After the ferns have turned yellow and died back, cut them down to the ground. Remove debris to deter pests.
Early Spring: Before new spears emerge, top-dress the bed with 1-2 inches of compost. A light application of fertilizer can be added then too.

Common Kansas-Specific Problems and Solutions

Our climate brings specific issues. Here’s how to adress them.

Poor Drainage (Clay Soils): Raised beds are an excellent solution for heavy Kansas clay. They ensure the crowns never sit in water.
Wind Damage: Tall ferns can be damaged by strong Kansas winds. Consider a windbreak or stake plants if needed.
Rust Disease: While less common with resistant varieties, humid summers in eastern Kansas can promote rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

FAQ for Kansas Asparagus Growers

Can I grow asparagus from seed in Kansas?
Yes, but it adds an extra year to establishment. Start seeds indoors in late winter. Transplant seedlings after danger of frost. You won’t harvest until the fourth year.

What if I miss the spring planting window?
It’s better to wait until next spring. Planting asparagus in Kansas summer heat puts to much stress on crowns. You can pot up crowns temporarily, but results are often poor.

How much asparagus should I plant?
A good rule is 10-15 crowns per person. Since it’s a perennial, its better to start with a well-prepared small bed than a large, weedy one.

Can I transplant or divide an old asparagus crown?
It’s possible but very disruptive and hard on the plant. Division is rarely needed for home gardens. Starting with new crowns is usually more successful.

Getting your asparagus planting right the first time leads to a low-maintenance, productive bed for years. By choosing the correct Kansas planting window, preparing your soil deeply, and practicing patience, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious spring harvest for decades to come. The initial work is well worth the long-term reward.