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Planting Instructions for Asparagus by Seed:
- Start Indoors: Sow Todd’s Seeds asparagus seeds indoors 12–14 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seed-starting trays with a quality seed-starting mix.
- Soaking: Soak seeds in warm water for 8 hours before planting to speed up germination.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds ½ inch deep. Keep soil temperature between 70–75°F for best germination.
- Germination: Seeds typically sprout in 10–20 days. Provide strong light to prevent leggy seedlings.
- Transplanting: Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Transplant when seedlings are 10–12 weeks old and all danger of frost has passed.
- Soil Prep: Choose a permanent site with full sun and well-draining soil. Add compost or aged manure. Ideal pH is 6.5–7.5.
- Planting Outdoors:
- Dig trenches 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
- Space seedlings 12–18 inches apart in rows spaced 3–4 feet apart.
- Cover roots with 2 inches of soil and water well.
- Backfilling: As plants grow, gradually fill in the trench with soil until level with the ground.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season.
- Weeding: Keep the area free of weeds. Mulch helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after harvest.
- Harvesting:
- Do not harvest in the first 2 growing seasons.
- Begin light harvests in year 3 when spears are 6–8 inches tall, cutting at ground level.
- Harvest for up to 6–8 weeks, then allow ferns to grow.
- Maintenance: Allow ferns to grow after harvesting to feed the roots. Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring.