Can I grow asparagus from store bought asparagus?

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Quick Answer

Yes, it is possible to grow asparagus from store bought asparagus. The key is to select fresh asparagus spears that still have the root end intact. This allows you to plant the root end in soil and potentially grow a new asparagus plant. However, success rates can be low and it may take 1-2 years to harvest spears from new plants started this way. Purchasing asparagus crowns from a nursery is a more reliable way to start an asparagus patch.

Can I Plant Store Bought Asparagus to Grow a New Plant?

You can certainly try planting store bought asparagus to grow new asparagus plants. The key requirements are:

Select fresh asparagus spears still have the root end intact – this is the white/pinkish bulbous area where stems emerge from the roots. Avoid any spears that have been cut off and don’t have the root end.

Plant the root end in soil – dig a hole or trench 4-6 inches deep and place the root end down, covering it with 2-3 inches of soil. Space plants 8-12 inches apart.
Provide plenty of sun – at least 6 hours per day of direct sunlight.
Use well-draining soil – asparagus prefers loamy soil and does not do well in heavy, wet, or compacted soils.

Water regularly – keep soil moist but not soaked during first year as roots establish.

If successfully planted and cared for, the asparagus root may sprout and grow into a new plant. However, the success rate is generally low with store bought asparagus. It may take 1-2 years to get the first asparagus spears, if at all. Patience is required.

Challenges of Planting Store Bought Asparagus

There are a few key challenges that make growing asparagus from grocery store spears more difficult:

Limited roots and crowns – Without an established crown and root system, the stem has to try to generate new roots and grow a crown from scratch. This is difficult and leads to high failure rates.
Lack of energy reserves – An established asparagus crown has stored energy it can use to push up new spears. A lone spear has limited reserves making it harder to establish.
Damage during storage/transport – Long storage times and rough handling can damage or dry out the base of the stems, harming its chances of survival.

Disease vulnerability – Newly planted stems have no established defenses against soil diseases and are prone to infections.
Genetics – Grocery store asparagus is not bred for home growing or hardiness traits that improve survival rates.

These challenges mean you should go into planting store bought asparagus with low expectations. While you can certainly give it a try, purchasing crowns from a reputable nursery will yield much better results.

Improving Your Chances from Store Bought Spears

If you want to try growing asparagus from a grocery store bunch, here are some tips to maximize your chance of success:

Select fat, firm spears with tight buds on the tips – avoid thin or flowering spears.
Check the root end for moisture – if dried out, soak in water for a few hours before planting.

Plant in a sunny spot early in the growing season – April is ideal in most climates.
Prepare the soil well – mix in compost to improve drainage and nutrients.
Water frequently – don’t let planted spears dry out as they try to establish.

Use a starter fertilizer – to provide nutrition for growth.
Mulch around stems – to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Be patient – it may take over a year to successfully harvest spears.

Even if doing everything right, the success rate is still estimated to be around 25-30% at best. But with some luck and care you may be rewarded with homegrown asparagus from grocery store sprigs.

Purchasing Asparagus Crowns is More Reliable

For the highest chance of success, it is recommended to purchase 1-2 year old asparagus crowns from a reputable nursery, garden center, or online supplier. Crowns are the root systems of mature asparagus plants that are able to generate new spears and full plants when planted correctly.

Here are some benefits to planting crowns instead of store bought spears:

Crowns already have an established root system and energy reserves to draw from.
They are grown from disease resistant varieties bred for vigor and hardiness.
Crowns are grown specifically for transplanting and starting new asparagus patches.

You can choose among different varieties with traits like productivity, spear size, flavor, etc.
Established plants means you can harvest a crop in the second season versus waiting 1-2 years from a spear.

While more of an upfront investment, planting crowns virtually guarantees you will establish a productive asparagus patch. One-year old crowns are ideal, as they adapt better to transplanting than 2-3 year old crowns.

Where to Buy Asparagus Crowns

Here are some options for purchasing quality asparagus crowns:

Local nurseries and garden centers – often sell crowns seasonally in early spring.
Online seed companies – such as Burpee, Gurney’s, Jung Seed, etc. Ship bare root crowns.

Garden catalogs – Jung, Harris Seeds, Henry Fields, etc. Shipped as bare roots.
Local farmers – Some farms sell directly to customers.
Garden neighbors – Ask neighbors who have successful patches for plant divisions.

When buying crowns, aim for plump, healthy roots with no signs of disease, mold or damage. A 1 year old crown should have 8-10 roots approximately 8 inches long.

How to Plant and Grow Asparagus Crowns

Once you have obtained quality asparagus crowns, follow these steps for successful planting and growing:

Site Selection

Full sun – at least 6-8 hours/day of direct sunlight.

Well-draining soil – avoid heavy clays that hold water.
Enrich soil – mix in aged compost before planting.
Allow space – plan for an area 4 ft x 8 ft per 10 plants.

Soil Preparation

Loosen soil – till or fork area to 12-15 inch depth.
Mix in compost – 2-3 inches across area.
Create planting beds – raised beds or mounded rows work well.

Take a soil test – and amend as needed based on results.

Planting Crowns

Dig trench 6-8 inches deep.
Space crowns 12-18 inches apart in row.

Spread roots evenly in trench.
Backfill with soil to cover crown 2-3 inches.
Tamp soil firmly around plants.

Water thoroughly after planting.

First Year Care

Water regularly if rains are lacking – keep soil moist, not saturated.
Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.

Control weeds.
Mulch around plants with compost or straw.
Allow ferns to grow – do not harvest any spears the first year.

The ferns will build food reserves in the crowns for future growth.

Harvest & Care Beyond First Year

Harvest cautiously first spring – take spears no thicker than a pencil.
Snap off spears at ground level – do not cut.

Stop harvest June 1st allow ferns to grow.
Fertilize in spring and fall.
Water during drought.

Mulch annually with compost.
Divide crowded plants every 4-5 years.

An asparagus planting can produce for 15-20 years if properly cared for! Avoid harvest past mid-June and let ferns grow into fall to strengthen plants for next year’s crop.

Conclusion

In summary, it is possible to grow new asparagus plants from grocery store spears. However, success rates are typically low compared to purchasing 1 year old crowns. For best results, buy healthy crowns from a reputable supplier. Prepare the site well, plant properly, and care for new plants during establishment. If done right, you can enjoy a thriving asparagus patch for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow asparagus from cut spears?

It is challenging but possible to grow new asparagus plants from cut spears you buy at the grocery store. Look for fresh spears with the root end still intact and plant that end in prepared soil outside. Provide plenty of sun, space, water and care. It may take over a year to harvest any new spears, if successful at all. Buying 1 year old crowns is a much better approach.

What is the best way to plant store bought asparagus?

Select fat, fresh looking spears with intact pinkish-white root ends. Soak the ends in water for 30 minutes before planting if they seem dried out. Plant in trenches 4-6 inches deep, spacing 12 inches apart in sunny locations enriched with compost. Cover root ends with 2-3 inches of soil and water thoroughly after planting. Fertilize and keep moist regularly as plants try to establish.

How long does it take to grow asparagus from seed?

Starting asparagus from seed is a long process. Seeds started indoors need to grow for 12-14 weeks before they can be transplanted outside. After transplanting, it takes an additional 1-2 years before any spears can be harvested. You also have less control over plant genetics going from seed. Buying 1 year old crowns is faster and more reliable.

What size container is best for growing asparagus?

Asparagus plants have large root systems and need deep soil to grow well. Use the largest practical containers possible if growing in pots, at least 12-15 inches deep and wide. Provide good drainage holes. You may need to be diligent about watering in containers as they can dry out quicker. In-ground planting is better for asparagus if possible.

Should you cut or snap asparagus when harvesting?

It is best to snap asparagus spears at ground level rather than cutting them during harvest. A clean snap preserves the crown buds underground that generate future spear growth. Cutting spears can damage these buds. Gently bend each stalk until it snaps off naturally for optimal harvest technique.