For many gardeners, growing asparagus has proven to be one of the most worthwhile perennial plants to invest in for their gardens. A gardener can harvest asparagus for up to about 20 years if developed and cared for properly. However, this is only achievable if you are able to provide your asparagus plenty of room to grow its root systems as they tend to be very large. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t grow asparagus in a pot or container, but to get the most out of your asparagus, planting them outside is the best-proven method for big harvests.
Starting From Seed Or Crown
There are a few methods for growing asparagus in a container or pot. Some are more ideal than others depending on how much time you want to dedicate properly growing your asparagus. Asparagus tends to do well in USDA zones 4 through 8, planted in nutrient-rich and consistently moist soil. Additionally, giving them a lot of room for their root systems to grow to their fullest potential. These are the ideal conditions for growing asparagus with the intent of harvesting them year-round.
Growing asparagus in a pot, however, can prove to be a bit more challenging compared to planting them outside. Asparagus tends to be a slow-growing plant that can take up to two to three years if planted by seed before it’s ready to be harvested. Since planting from seed proves to be the longest wait for plant growth, gardeners typically buy the crowns for a more hasty harvest. This is because the crowns of asparagus have already grown for two or more years. This allows for faster harvests and plant growth compared to starting from seed.
Properly Planting Asparagus In A Pot
When you have your asparagus crowns ready for planting, be sure you have a large pot that is about 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide that is also well draining. A large pot will allow for enough room for the crowns to develop strong roots and grow properly. You must do this for each crown separately if you want your asparagus to develop. If the soil becomes too wet or water cannot escape, this can cause your asparagus’ roots to rot or begin to grow unwanted fungus. It may also be a good idea to add a 2 inch layer of gravel to the bottom of the pot before adding your nutrient rich soil or compost.
Plant the asparagus crown into the pot about four to six inches deep. Next, find a sunny spot outside that will allow your asparagus to receive up to 8 hours of sunlight everyday. You should begin to see new asparagus shoots growing out of the soil within a week of planting. Give your asparagus at least two seasons to get established before harvesting. Placing mulch around the plant will help ward off unwanted weeds and help keep the soil evenly moist. You can leave your asparagus in a pot outside throughout fall and winter without issues as the plant will go dormant. The growth will continue again in early springtime when the weather becomes warmer.
