Free guide · USDA zones 3–10
When to plant asparagus 🌿
Asparagus takes 365–1095 days to mature, spaced 18" apart at 6" deep. Start indoors and transplant for the longest harvest.
Planting dates by USDA zone
| Zone | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April 27 – May 25 | May 23 – September 12 |
| Zone 4 | April 17 – May 15 | May 13 – September 2 |
| Zone 5 | April 3 – May 1 | April 29 – August 19 |
| Zone 6 | March 18 – April 15 | April 13 – August 3 |
| Zone 7 | March 4 – April 1 | March 30 – July 20 |
| Zone 8 | February 16 – March 15 | March 13 – July 3 |
| Zone 9 | January 18 – February 15 | February 12 – June 4 |
| Zone 10 | January 2 – January 30 | January 27 – May 19 |
Dates are averages — adjust ±1–2 weeks for your microclimate. Need your exact dates? Enter your zip code below.
Get your personalized asparagus planting dates
Care tips
- Plant crowns in trenches; perennial bed lasts 15+ years.
- Don't harvest for the first 2 years.
- Cut spears at soil level when 6–8 in. tall.
Good companions
Tomato, Basil, Parsley.
Read more: Companion planting chart for vegetables
Track your asparagus harvest with BotaNotes
Log planting dates, get AI-powered care reminders, and journal every harvest. Free 15-day trial.
Frequently asked questions
When can I transplant asparagus seedlings outdoors?▾
Transplant asparagus seedlings about -4–0 weeks after your average last spring frost. In zone 6 that's around March 18–April 15.
How long does asparagus take to grow?▾
Asparagus typically takes 365–1095 days to mature, with harvest beginning roughly 104–120 weeks after the last spring frost.