How To Grow Asparagus in the Sunshine State

Growing Asparagus with Kids

Asparagus can be a fun project for kids, though it takes some patience—perfect for teaching them about delayed rewards.

Even though people usually think of asparagus as a vegetable for cooler places, it’s entirely possible to grow it successfully here in the northern half of the Sunshine State. They may be spindlier due to the fact that they won’t have a long dormant period over winter.

Kid-Friendly Asparagus Facts

• Asparagus has been around a long time: ancient Romans grew it 2,000 years ago.

• It can grow super fast, like a real-life Jack-and-the-Beanstalk plant! It can shoot up an inch or two a day!

• It might make their pee smell funny (harmless but giggle-worthy).

Asparagus spears in a Jacksonville, FL Organic raised bed garden (Zone 9a)

🌱 Choosing the Right Varieties

Look for Florida-friendly varieties like ‘Jersey Knight’ or ‘Mary Washington.’ These varieties are resilient and thrive in warmer conditions. You can start asparagus from seed or from one-year-old roots, called crowns. Crowns grow vertically and horizontally. Planting at the right depth is important, so check out this article from Hoss Seeds. Begin harvest two years after planting crowns, and three years after planting seeds.

🌞 Ideal Location and Soil

Choose a sunny spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Asparagus prefers rich well-drained soil, so pick a location that doesn’t hold water. Be a soil scientist: get a soil test first as asparagus prefers rich soil.

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🛠️ Planting

When asparagus spears aren't harvested, they continue to grow, producing branches and fern-like leaves. They'll even produce tiny white flowers and seeds.

Asparagus does well in raised beds (check out my Organic Raised Beds article for more info), in an in-ground garden, or in fabric pots. They can get quite tall and fluffy, so make sure there is room to thrive.

Timing

Plant according to your hardiness zone:

• Zone 8b & 9a: Plant in late winter (February to early March).

• Zone 9b: Plant in early spring (March).

• Zone 10: Plant in early spring (March).

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💧 Care and Maintenance

• Watering

  Keep the soil consistently moist as you would for most other veggies, especially during dry spells. Be mindful not to overwater, asparagus doesn't like soggy soil.

• Fertilizing

  Because asparagus is a perennial, it doesn't need to be fertilized often. Apply a balanced fertilizer once in the spring and once in the fall. Usually, 1-2 tablespoons of fertilizer per gallon of water is recommended, but remember to always defer to the fertilizer label instructions for proper amounts.

  
  

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Asparagus spears growing in pots at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL (Zone 9a).

❄️ Winter Care

In winter, asparagus ferns will die back, but don’t worry! This is a natural part of the plant's lifecycle. Asparagus is a perennial, meaning it will come back in the spring—no need to replant every year!

⏳ Time to Harvest

While asparagus typically takes 2-3 years to produce spears from seed, many gardeners may notice a small harvest as early as the first spring after planting. Healthy plants, proper care, and good conditions can sometimes lead to early production.

🌟 Fun Facts

Because asparagus is a perennial plant, it will keep producing for years, giving you delicious spears season after season! Proper care for these plants will ensure continuous harvests well into the future.

Asparagus can be grown with other plants; it's low-maintenance and doesn't produce much shade because of its thin stems and leaves.

Happy Gardening!

~ Leah Brooks