Asparagus officinalis (common asparagus) — perennial vegetable

Overview

Asparagus officinalis is a perennial vegetable in the genus Asparagus, part of the Q157167 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

Asparagus officinalis is a perennial vegetable grown for its edible young shoots. It has evergreen foliage and suits a full-sun, south-facing site. Give each crown about 1 m of room in sandy, loamy or clay soil that is moist but well‑drained with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Wear gloves when picking spears because contact may cause a skin allergy, and do not eat the fruit.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asparagus

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.