Overview
Asparagus officinalis is a perennial vegetable in the genus Asparagus, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows 1 m wide. Asparagus officinalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and 6.5-7.5 pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include vegetable garden and edible shoots. It is native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia.
About the genus
Asparagus or garden asparagus is a perennial flowering plant species in the genus Asparagus native to Eurasia. Widely cultivated as a vegetable crop, its young shoots are used as a spring vegetable.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asparagus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asparagus
In the garden
Asparagus officinalis originates from Europe, northern Africa and western Asia and is cultivated mainly for its edible shoots. It flowers in the UK from June to July and is a perennial presence in the vegetable plot once established. The plant is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and is also tolerant of a wide range of USDA zones (2–9). Choose a permanently sunny, south-facing position with soil that drains freely yet retains moisture; suitable soils include sandy, loamy or clay types with a pH around 6.5–7.5. Allow roughly 1 m of space per crown so each plant has room to spread. Full sun exposure helps produce straight, vigorous shoots and reduces disease pressure in damp seasons. Common Asparagus works best in dedicated vegetable beds or the edible margin of a border where it can be left undisturbed for several seasons. It is valued for its spring harvest of shoots; only the young spears are eaten and should be cooked. Wear gloves when harvesting as handling the spears may provoke a skin allergy, and avoid the red berries because they are harmful if eaten.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asparagus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- 6.5-7.5
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Asparagus officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial vegetable
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Spread
- 1 m
- Suggested uses
- vegetable garden, edible shoots
- Native to
- Europe, northern Africa, western Asia
- Toxicity
- The young shoots (spears) are edible when cooked. Wear gloves for picking spears as they may a cause skin allergy. Fruits are harmful if eaten
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asparagus officinalis
- Cultivation
- Plant crowns in early spring in well-prepared soil. Requires regular watering and weeding. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late autumn or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- By crowns or seeds
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asparagus officinalis?
Plant crowns in early spring in well-prepared soil. Requires regular watering and weeding. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Where is the best place to plant Asparagus officinalis?
Asparagus officinalis prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Asparagus officinalis need?
Asparagus officinalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers 6.5-7.5 soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Asparagus officinalis?
Cut back old foliage in late autumn or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Asparagus officinalis grow?
Asparagus officinalis reaches a spread of 1 m.
Is Asparagus officinalis hardy in the UK?
Asparagus officinalis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Asparagus officinalis?
By crowns or seeds.
Is Asparagus officinalis toxic?
The young shoots (spears) are edible when cooked. Wear gloves for picking spears as they may a cause skin allergy. Fruits are harmful if eaten.
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