Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that produces spears every spring for 20 years or more from a single planting. One-year crowns planted in 30cm-wide, 20cm-deep trenches spaced 45cm apart establish fastest in UK conditions. The harvest season runs for just eight weeks from mid-April to mid-June. Male plants like Gijnlim and Backlim outyield female plants by 20-30% because they produce no seed.
Key takeaways
- Plant one-year crowns in spring in trenches 30cm wide and 20cm deep, spaced 45cm apart in the row
- Do not harvest any spears for the first two years after planting to let the root system establish fully
- The harvest window is only eight weeks, from mid-April to mid-June, then you must stop cutting
- Male varieties like Gijnlim, Backlim, and Millennium outyield female plants by 20-30%
- An established asparagus bed produces reliably for 20 years or more from a single planting
- Mulch with 5-8cm of garden compost every autumn to feed the crowns and suppress weeds
asparagus vegetables grow your own perennial vegetables allotment spring harvest
Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
