When to Plant Asparagus Roots?
By Richard Corrigan, eHow Contributor 
updated: February 16, 2011
Asparagus plants can be productive for years.
Asparagus is a hardy perennial, and can come back every year for as many as 20 years once established. The first few years of the plant's life are important though, and asparagus must be planted at the right time in order to thrive. Exactly when to plant depends on where you live in the country.
- Asparagus plants are typically grown from 1-year-old roots, which are generally referred to as "crowns." The crowns are typically planted 12 to 18 inches apart and 6 inches deep, and each one is capable of producing 1/2 lb. of asparagus spears every year once established.
- Asparagus is hardy enough to handle frost, so you do not have to wait as long to plant it as some vegetables. Generally, once the soil has warmed to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you can plant asparagus. If you plant earlier, you risk injuring the roots, and the crowns will not start growing until the soil warms anyway. Also, wait until the soil is dry enough to work with; a handful of soil should break apart in your hand when you squeeze it.
- The exact time to plant asparagus depends on where you live. Ohio State University, for example, recommends planting from mid-April to late May throughout Ohio, while North Carolina State University suggests planting as early as February in eastern North Carolina. Wherever you live, however, remember that the actual conditions in your garden are more important than dates on the calendar.
- You can produce your own asparagus crowns from seed, but this will add an extra year before you produce an asparagus crop. If you choose to start from seed, plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart in spring when soil temperatures reach 60 F. The following spring, you will be able to transplant them as crowns to their permanent asparagus bed.
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