Asparagus officinalis
common asparagus
Grown for its delicately-flavoured young shoots, or spears. The airy, feathery foliage growing up to 1.5m tall also makes it an attractive herbaceous perennial
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Asparagus can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, sometimes climbing, with tuberous rootstock. Stems bear both inconspicuous scale-like leaves and larger, leaf-like phylloclades, with small white or pinkish flowers followed by red berries
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil, or in raised beds on light, sandy soil. Avoid frost pockets as spears are tender. Follow asparagus cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by crowns. Although propagation by seed is possible, it is not advisable as seedlings take longer, and may not be male cultivars which produce better plants
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
Cut down foliage in autumn, when yellowed, to 2.5cm above the soil
Pests
May be susceptible to asparagus beetle, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to foot and root rots and violet root rot
Get involved
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