Asparagus foliage

The feathery foliage of asparagus

Asparagus

If you love asparagus, you may be tempted to try growing it. The limitation for Florida gardeners is that asparagus plants grow best in colder climates.

Without a certain dormant period, asparagus has trouble putting up stalks. Because of this, it tends to be smaller and more spindly than asparagus grown elsewhere.

If you’re determined to give it a try, plant one- or two-year-old asparagus crowns in the richest soil you can find. Water and feed them from spring through fall, but leave them mostly alone in the winters.

Wait at least two years before you harvest any spears. If all else fails, you’ll still be able to enjoy the asparagus plants for their beautiful feathery foliage.

UF/IFAS Publications