US Trends

when to plant asparagus

You should plant asparagus in early spring, around or just after your last frost date, once the soil has warmed to about 7–10°C (45–50°F).

Quick Scoop

Best overall planting window

  • For crowns (1‑year roots) : Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked and is at least 7–10°C, with no hard frosts expected.
  • In many temperate areas, this usually means March–May , with warmer regions planting earlier and colder regions later.
  • In very warm climates , crowns can sometimes go in from late winter, roughly January–March , before the heat builds.

By climate / zone (crowns)

  • Cool / northern (USDA 3–4) : Late April to early May, when soil hits about 7°C and frost danger has passed.
  • Moderate (USDA 5–6) : Mid‑April to mid‑May, once soil is near 10°C and last frost is over.
  • Warmer (USDA 7–8) : Late February to early April, as soon as soil is about 10°C and frost risk is gone.
  • Very warm (USDA 9–10) : Late winter to early spring, roughly January–March, before hot weather.

Seeds vs. crowns

  • Seeds indoors : Start 12–14 weeks before your last spring frost, keeping them warm for 8–12 days of germination.
  • Transplant seedlings : Move 10–14‑week‑old seedlings outside after your last frost , when soil is at least about 10°C.
  • Crowns direct in ground : Plant in early spring (or fall in very mild climates) when soil is 7–10°C and workable.

Regional examples

  • In places with a long, mild growing season , asparagus can be planted early spring and sometimes again in late summer or fall if winters are mild.
  • In regions with cold winters and short seasons , stick to early spring planting as soon as the soil can be worked.
  • In New Zealand, asparagus is commonly planted July–December in warm areas and September–December in cooler areas , which mirrors “late winter to late spring” timing in the southern hemisphere.

Quick rule of thumb

  • Wait until:
    1. Soil is no longer soggy and can be dug easily.
2. Soil temperature is at least **7–10°C (45–50°F)**.

3. The **last hard frost** is past in your area.

If you follow those three checks, you’ll be planting asparagus at the right time for a long‑lived, productive bed.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.