Does Asparagus Grow In The Philippines

Asparagus does grow in the Philippines, but it’s not a common crop everywhere in the country.
 
If you’ve ever wondered whether asparagus can grow in the Philippines, the answer is yes, though it mostly thrives in specific regions with the right conditions.
 
Asparagus grows in the Philippines in places like Benguet, Mt. Province, and other highland areas where the climate is cooler.
 
In this post, we’ll explore how asparagus grows in the Philippines, where it thrives, and what it takes to cultivate it successfully.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Asparagus Can Grow in the Philippines

Asparagus can grow in the Philippines, and here’s why:

1. Cool Highland Climate

Asparagus grows in the Philippines mainly in high-altitude areas like Benguet and the Cordillera region.
 
These spots have cooler temperatures that mimic the temperate climates asparagus naturally loves.
 
At elevations above 1,000 meters, the weather is cool enough for asparagus to thrive.
 
That’s why you’ll see asparagus growing in the Philippines mostly in these mountainous zones rather than in the lowlands.
 

2. Well-Drained Soil

Asparagus grows in the Philippines when planted in loose, well-drained soil.
 
The crop hates waterlogged roots, so sandy loam or loam soil works best.
 
In highland farms, growers often amend the soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
 
This helps asparagus grow in the Philippines even during the rainy season.
 

3. Proper Sunlight

Asparagus needs full sun to grow in the Philippines, just like anywhere else.
 
Six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily keeps the ferns healthy and productive.
 
In the highlands, the sun is strong but temperatures stay mild, which is perfect for asparagus.
 
So if you’re trying to grow asparagus in the Philippines, pick a spot that gets plenty of sunshine.
 

4. Adaptable Varieties

Certain asparagus varieties grow in the Philippines better than others.
 
Varieties like UC 157 and Mary Washington have shown good results in local trials.
 
These varieties tolerate the humidity and occasional heavy rains better than others.
 
That’s why they’re the go-to choices for anyone wanting to grow asparagus in the Philippines.
 

Where Asparagus Grows in the Philippines

Asparagus grows in the Philippines in select regions, and here’s where you’ll find it:

1. Benguet and the Cordillera Highlands

Benguet is the top spot where asparagus grows in the Philippines.
 
The cool climate of La Trinidad, Atok, and Buguias makes these areas ideal.
 
Local farmers have been experimenting with asparagus as a high-value crop.
 
So if you’re looking for Philippine-grown asparagus, Benguet is your best bet.
 

2. Mt. Province and Ifugao

Asparagus also grows in the Philippines in Mt. Province and parts of Ifugao.
 
These areas share the same highland conditions that asparagus loves.
 
Small-scale farms in these provinces are starting to produce asparagus for local markets.
 
It’s still limited, but asparagus grows in the Philippines in these spots.
 

3. Small Farms in Visayas and Mindanao

Some growers in cooler parts of Visayas and Mindanao have tried to grow asparagus in the Philippines.
 
Bukidnon and parts of Davao have elevations that can support asparagus.
 
Results vary, but it’s possible with the right care and setup.
 
So asparagus grows in the Philippines beyond Luzon, though it’s less common.
 

How to Grow Asparagus in the Philippines

If you want to grow asparagus in the Philippines, here’s how to do it:

1. Start with Crowns, Not Seeds

Growing asparagus in the Philippines is faster if you start with crowns instead of seeds.
 
Crowns are one-year-old roots that you plant directly into the ground.
 
Seeds work too, but they take an extra year to establish.
 
So for quicker harvests, plant crowns when you grow asparagus in the Philippines.
 

2. Plant in the Right Season

The best time to grow asparagus in the Philippines is at the start of the dry season.
 
Planting in November to January lets the crowns establish before heavy rains.
 
Good drainage is crucial, so raised beds help a lot.
 
That’s the ideal window to grow asparagus in the Philippines.
 

3. Be Patient with Harvesting

Asparagus takes two to three years to produce a full harvest.
 
Don’t cut spears in the first year, and only lightly in the second.
 
By year three, you can harvest spears for six to eight weeks.
 
So if you grow asparagus in the Philippines, patience is key.
 

4. Maintain the Bed

Keep the bed weed-free and watered during dry spells.
 
Fertilize with compost or balanced fertilizer twice a year.
 
Let the ferns grow after harvest to feed the roots.
 
That’s how you keep asparagus growing in the Philippines year after year.
 

Challenges of Growing Asparagus in the Philippines

Asparagus grows in the Philippines, but it’s not without challenges:

1. Humidity and Fungal Issues

High humidity in the lowlands makes asparagus prone to root rot and fungal diseases.
 
That’s why asparagus grows in the Philippines mostly in cooler, drier highlands.
 
Good airflow and proper spacing help prevent these problems.
 

2. Limited Local Supply

Most asparagus sold in the Philippines is imported from China, Australia, or the US.
 
Local production is small, so prices for Philippine-grown asparagus are higher.
 
That’s part of why asparagus grows in the Philippines on a limited scale.
 

3. Long Wait Time

Asparagus is a long-term commitment, and not all farmers want to wait years for a return.
 
But once established, an asparagus bed can produce for 15 to 20 years.
 
So for patient growers, asparagus grows in the Philippines quite well.
 

So, Does Asparagus Grow in the Philippines?

Asparagus does grow in the Philippines, mainly in highland areas like Benguet and the Cordillera region.
 
With cool temperatures, well-drained soil, and proper care, asparagus grows in the Philippines successfully.
 
Just remember it takes patience, the right location, and a bit of know-how.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand how and where asparagus grows in the Philippines.
 
Now go plant some.