What it is
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is in the Asparagaceae family. A patient perennial — wait two years, then harvest spears every spring for decades.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it deep, well-drained, sandy soil. Target a soil pH around 6.5–7.5. Space plants about 12–18 in apart. Expect roughly 2–3 yr to first harvest. Hardy perennial (15+ yr).
How it's used
Asparagus is used: steamed, roasted, grilled.
🔎 How to identify it
- Spears emerge from a crown
- Feathery fern foliage if unharvested
- Red berries on female plants
Edibility
PartsYoung spears
UsesSteamed, roasted, grilled
CautionMature ferns and red berries are not for eating.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.