Asparagus is a perennial vegetable to grow that requires patience from people to grow at home. However, only some have a garden bed or space to grow Asparagus in the ground. So, can you plant Asparagus in a pot? With the proper sized container you choose and care, you can grow Asparagus in pots! Asparagus plants grow well when given the proper conditions.
The key is choosing a large container that allows the asparagus roots to spread and grow. A container at least 12 inches deep provides ample room for growth. Fill the container with potting mix amended with compost to give Asparagus the rich soil it prefers. Plant asparagus crowns or seedlings in early spring, allowing time to grow and become established before the harvest season.
Potted asparagus plants produce tasty Asparagus, and you can harvest asparagus spears like those grown in the ground. With container gardening, you can grow Asparagus even in small spaces or raised beds. While it takes some effort and patience to grow Asparagus in pots, the harvest of fresh spears makes it all worthwhile.
Proper care, like watering, fertilizing, and protecting the plants, helps to ensure success. Follow key tips, and your container asparagus will thrive, letting you enjoy this classic vegetable at home. In our guide, you can learn more about needing patience to grow Asparagus. By the end, you’ll better understand that Asparagus isn’t too challenging for how to grow Asparagus in a container. (Read What To Plant After Garlic)
Why Grow Asparagus Plant In A Container
Traditionally, Asparagus is grown in garden beds or raised beds outdoors. But, you can grow Asparagus in containers. Container gardening makes the process of growing and caring for these plants easier than ever. While asparagus plants are grown outside, the large root system can grow quite constrained in pots. However, you can grow Asparagus in home pots with the right container and care. The key advantages are:
- Convenience – Plants are right outside your door, and are easy to grow and harvest.
- Flexibility – Pots can be moved to customize sun exposure.
- Accessibility – Raise pots up for easier tending and picking.
- Control – Manage soil quality and drainage in a pot.
- Small Spaces – Grow Asparagus even without a typical garden plot.
So don’t let a lack of garden space stop you from planting Asparagus in pots! With the right approach, container asparagus can thrive.
Grow Asparagus from Seed and Asparagus Crown
There are two main methods to grow asparagus plants: you can plant the seeds or grow by the crown. While growing from seed is more economical, it takes an additional year of growing to produce spears. Most gardeners choose to purchase plants in the form of 1-year-old asparagus crowns in pots, which you can harvest sooner. (Read Do Fig Trees Lose Their Leaves)
How to grow Asparagus in pots from seeds
If you grow Asparagus, it’ll take more time to plant Asparagus from seed, but gratifying.
Here are the steps:
- Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant asparagus seeds 1 inch deep in pots. Keep soil moist and at 70°F.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed. Gradually expose your asparagus plants to outdoor conditions. Harden off for 7-10 days before transplanting.
- Prepare your asparagus bed with rich, well-draining soil. Transplant the asparagus seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 3 feet apart. Water and mulch plants helps to protect your plants.
- Let plants establish roots in the first year. Do not harvest any spears, and fertilize in early spring and midsummer. Remove any flowers to promote root growth.
- If you decide to grow in the second year! Harvest for 4-6 weeks, then allow plants to grow to develop to feed the plant roots.
How to grow Asparagus from Bare-Root Crowns
Asparagus crowns are new asparagus plants that have already spent a year growing.
Follow these steps:
- Purchase dormant bare-root asparagus crowns in the spring before planting. Select disease-free crowns with large roots and buds.
- Prepare garden beds with rich soil or amend them with compost. Dig 8-10 inch deep trenches. Space and plant the asparagus crowns 12-18 inches, and ensure you are giving your asparagus plants room to grow depending on the size of your bed or if you want to grow it in a container.
- Place the asparagus crown on top before covering with 2-4 inches of soil. As spears emerge, continue filling the trench gradually over a few weeks until it is level with the bed.
- Water regularly during spear production, tapering off as ferns mature. Control weeds with mulch or plastic covers.
- Let ferns grow all season the first year. Do not harvest; fertilize in spring and midsummer to establish the plants.
- The following year, harvest spears of several asparagus plants for about 6-8 weeks. Snap by hand or cut with a knife at ground level when 6-8 inches tall. (Read Blue Tipped White Roses)
How to Grow Asparagus in Pots
Growing Asparagus in containers follows a similar process like growing vegetables in pots, but there are some key things to consider:
The best pots to grow Asparagus in
- Size – Use a container at least 12 inches deep with a 20-inch diameter. This gives roots ample room.
- Material – Asparagus grows best in porous containers like terra cotta that allow airflow. Avoid non-breathable materials.
- Drainage – ensure the container has drainage holes and use well-draining soil. Asparagus hates wet roots.
- Quantity – Start with one plant per pot. Mature plants can be separated and replanted.
When to plant Asparagus in pots
- Spring – The ideal time is early spring after the last frost. Soil needs to be workable but not muddy.
- Fall – Some gardeners also plant in the fall to establish roots before winter dormancy. Protect from hard freezes.
The Best Varieties of Asparagus to grow in pots
For the best results, choose different kinds of asparagus that are good for growing in pots. Look for varieties that do well in pots, like “Mary Washington” or “Purple Passion.” Asparagus needs a container that is at least 18 inches deep so that it can grow a lot of roots. It likes dirt that drains well and has a lot of organic matter.
Asparagus is one of the toughest plants, yet asparagus prefers things to be right to grow well in a container. Because it takes a few years for your potted asparagus plants to grow roots and produce a yield, be patient with them.
Nematodes are bad for many plants, and asparagus repels nematodes. This makes it a great choice for container gardening. Asparagus bugs can hurt the plants if they are not controlled.
Note: Don’t overcrowd plants in containers, as the system can grow quite large; thus, the roots of asparagus plants fight for nutrients.
Common Asparagus Pests And Diseases
Asparagus beetles are a common pest that can damage asparagus spears and ferns. The adult beetles feed on the spears, leaving them pitted and scarred. The larvae attack the fernlike foliage on the plants. Monitor for the black and red beetles early in the growing season and pick them off by hand.
Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes asparagus plants to turn yellow and wilt. It spreads through contact between plant roots. Improve drainage around the plants and avoid overwatering to help prevent fungal diseases like fusarium.
Asparagus rust is another fungal disease that infects the plant’s leaves and stems. It causes orange-colored lesions and spots on the fern foliage. Remove any diseased plant debris and mulch around the plants to prevent spores from spreading.
Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that cluster on asparagus spears and ferns, causing stunted growth. Blast them off the plants with water and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Nematodes are microscopic worm-like parasites that attack asparagus roots, inhibiting nutrient and water uptake. Rotating crops, mulching heavily, and planting resistant varieties helps control nematodes. (Read Snake Plant Too Tall)
Where to Plant Asparagus
Choose a sunny area in your yard to plant asparagus. Asparagus, which grows in the form of asparagus crowns, is easy to grow and does best in well-drained soil between the pH range of 6.5 and 7.5. Asparagus prefers a light, well-drained soil to grow in. As a result, it is suggested to grow asparagus in a raised bed or a well-prepared garden bed to ensure good drainage.
Removing weeds from the soil will allow you to add organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure.
For growing bare-root asparagus crowns in containers, pick a pot that is at least 18 inches deep to accommodate the lengthy roots. Before putting the crowns at the bottom of the pot, spread the roots out and cover them with soil. Place the crowns at least 12 inches apart for wholesome growth.
After planting, water the plants well and hydrate the soil in the area surrounding them to encourage strong development. Avoid letting the asparagus get too hot since it can cause the asparagus to lose its form.
How to Harvest Asparagus Spears
- When – You can begin harvesting new Asparagus the 2nd or 3rd year after planting crowns. Harvest season is 8-12 weeks.
- How – Using a knife, Snap or cut spears when they are 6-8 inches tall. Always cut at ground level.
- When to stop – End harvesting when spears are pencil-thin. This allows the ferns to develop to nourish the plant fully.
- Frequency – During harvest season, cut the asparagus spears every 2-4 days as they emerge. New spears grow rapidly.
- Length – Stop cutting spears once they are pencil-width. This ensures robust plants the following year.
Do not harvest the first year plants are growing. Establishing a strong root system is critical before producing spears. With proper harvest practices, you’ll enjoy plentiful Asparagus for years!
Conclusion: Should I Grow Asparagus in Containers?
In conclusion, it is a convenient and efficient way to grow Asparagus at home and get the best of this delicious vegetable even if you have limited space. You can cultivate Asparagus in a pot by following the proper techniques for growing from seed or bare-root crowns and providing care.
With its numerous health benefits and culinary versatility, having Asparagus grow nearby will evoke a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. So, why not embark on this rewarding gardening journey and experience the joy of homegrown Asparagus?
FAQs: Grow Asparagus in a Container, How Long Does Asparagus Take?
Can I Grow Asparagus in a Hanging Basket Instead of a Pot?
You can grow at home in a hanging basket instead of a pot. As long as the basket provides sufficient depth and drainage and you provide proper care, the Asparagus should thrive.
How Often Should I Water My Asparagus Plant in a Pot?
Water your asparagus plant in a pot every 2-3 days, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. Check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil up to your knuckle.
Can I Start Growing Asparagus From Kitchen Scraps, Like the Bottom of the Stalks?
It is possible to grow Asparagus in a pot. It requires a deep container, well-draining soil, and full sun. Plant the crowns in the pot and provide regular water and fertilization—harvest spears when they reach 6-8 inches tall.
Can I Grow Asparagus in a Pot Indoors, or Does It Need to Be Outdoors?
It can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate and preference. Ensure the pot is deep enough for the roots and provide proper care for optimal growth.
How Long Does It Take for Asparagus to Produce Edible Spears After Planting?
Asparagus typically takes 2-3 years to produce edible spears after planting. It requires a long growing season and a well-established root system. Patience is vital when growing Asparagus.
