How to Grow Asparagus Guide

Growing Non-GMO Sweet Purple Asparagus Crowns

Dig a trench 10-12 inches deep and wide. Add approximately 3 inches of well-rotted manure or compost to support growth in the coming years. Replace some of the removed soil to form a ridge down the trench with the peak at approximately surface level. Place the crowns 12-18 inches apart within rows, with the crown on the ridge and the roots going down the sides. The crown should be at the surface level (uncovered), but the roots should be covered with the remaining 2-3 inches of soil. Water them in. Space rows 24-36 inches apart. Ensure you use well-draining, rich soil and that the roots are spread evenly. It is best to plant asparagus crowns directly outdoors rather than starting from seed, as this speeds up the time to maturity by at least a year. Planting is usually done in the spring.

The most important thing to remember when growing asparagus is patience. Asparagus is a perennial crop that requires at least two to three years before yielding a significant harvest. After planting, focus on weed control, as weeds can compete with young asparagus plants for nutrients and water. Water management is also crucial. Ensure that the soil remains moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to diseases like Fusarium rot.

Applying fertilizer during the first few years is essential for vigorous growth. Start with a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy foliage development​. Asparagus plants also benefit from mulch, which helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and gradually adds nutrients as it decomposes. Allow the plants to grow into full ferns without harvesting during the first and second year, as this will maximize photosynthesis, feeding the crowns and ensuring a strong harvest in the future​.

Sweet Purple Asparagus Crowns in the Vegetable Garden

This asparagus variety is prized for its vibrant color, sweet taste, and tender texture, making it a gourmet addition to both vegetable gardens and culinary dishes. Its perennial nature and ability to produce crops for up to two decades make it a valuable long-term investment for any vegetable garden. Although it requires patience through the first few years after planting, it will reward the grower for decades to come with delicious and attractive stalks.

Harvesting Sweet Purple Asparagus Crowns

When harvesting asparagus, it's essential to wait until the spears reach about 6 to 8 inches in height, but before the tips begin to open. It is best to wait until the third year after planting to collect a full harvest, so the plants have time to become well-established. The ideal time to harvest is in early spring when the temperatures are cool, as the spears grow rapidly in warmer weather and become bitter. Harvesting can be done by either cutting the spears just below the soil surface using a sharp knife or snapping them off by hand where they naturally break. Be mindful not to overharvest, especially in the first 2-3 years, as this can weaken the plants and affect future production. The typical harvest season lasts for 6-8 weeks each spring​.

About Sweet Purple Asparagus Crowns

Sweet Purple Asparagus was bred for its unique color and flavor, developed to offer a sweeter and more tender alternative to green asparagus varieties.

The purple color is due to the presence of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that offer health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and protecting against heart disease.

Though it loses much of its purple hue when cooked, Sweet Purple Asparagus retains its superior flavor and tenderness, making it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and fiber, offering a nutritious addition to the diet.

Sweet Purple Asparagus pairs well with tomatoes, parsley, and basil. Tomatoes help repel asparagus beetles, while parsley and basil act as natural pest deterrents for a variety of insects. Additionally, asparagus roots and tomato plants occupy different soil layers, allowing them to coexist without competing for nutrients. These companions also help attract beneficial pollinators and predators that manage pest populations.

Stories From Our Gardeners

"I remember my mother planting asparagus in our garden one year when I was a kid. I remember feeling unimpressed because we didn’t see any harvestable shoots the next year. I wish I understood the value of patience in that instance. Asparagus is a garden investment of time!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

Sweet Purple Asparagus Crowns Per Package:

• 5 Asparagus Crowns
• 10 Asparagus Crowns
• 25 Asparagus Crowns

Non-GMO Sweet Purple Asparagus Crowns are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.