Can You Plant Store Bought Asparagus

Yes, you can plant store bought asparagus crowns and grow them in your garden.
 
While the asparagus you buy at the grocery store is grown for eating rather than planting, the crowns sold at garden centers and online are exactly what you need to start your own patch.
 
In this post, we’ll look at whether you can plant store bought asparagus, how to do it successfully, and what to expect from your harvest.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Can You Plant Store Bought Asparagus?

You can plant store bought asparagus, but it depends on what form you’re buying.
 
Asparagus comes in a few different forms, and not all of them will grow into a productive plant.
 
Here’s what you need to know about each type.
 

1. Asparagus Crowns Are the Best Choice

If you’re asking can you plant store bought asparagus, the answer is a resounding yes when you’re talking about crowns.
 
Asparagus crowns are one-year-old root systems that you can buy from nurseries, garden centers, or online retailers.
 
These crowns are specifically grown to be planted and will produce spears for years to come.
 
When you plant store bought asparagus crowns, you’re giving your garden a head start because they’re already established and ready to grow.
 

2. Seeds Work but Take Longer

You can also plant store bought asparagus seeds, though this method requires more patience.
 
Asparagus seeds take about three years to grow into plants that produce a harvestable crop.
 
If you’re willing to wait, planting store bought asparagus seeds is a budget-friendly option.
 
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to nurture them carefully during those early years.
 

3. Grocery Store Spears Won’t Grow

Here’s where things get tricky.
 
The asparagus spears you buy at the grocery store for eating won’t grow into new plants if you try to plant them.
 
Those spears are harvested for consumption and don’t have the root system needed to survive and produce.
 
So while you can plant store bought asparagus crowns, you can’t plant the spears from the produce aisle and expect them to grow.
 

How to Plant Store Bought Asparagus

Planting store bought asparagus crowns is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
 
Here’s how to get your asparagus patch started.
 

1. Choose the Right Spot

Asparagus is a perennial that can produce for 15 to 20 years, so pick a permanent spot in your garden.
 
Choose an area with full sun and well-draining soil.
 
Asparagus doesn’t like soggy roots, so raised beds or amended soil work well.
 

2. Prepare the Soil

Before you plant store bought asparagus, work some compost or aged manure into the soil.
 
Asparagus is a heavy feeder and benefits from nutrient-rich ground.
 
A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal.
 

3. Dig Trenches and Plant the Crowns

Dig trenches about 6 to 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide.
 
Space the crowns about 12 to 18 inches apart within the trench.
 
Place each crown in the trench with the roots spread out and the buds pointing up.
 
Cover with 2 inches of soil, then fill in the trench gradually as the plants grow.
 

4. Water and Mulch

After you plant store bought asparagus, give them a good watering.
 
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
 
Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
 

Tips for Growing Store Bought Asparagus

Once you’ve planted your asparagus, a little care goes a long way.
 
Here are some tips to help your plants thrive.
 

1. Be Patient With Harvesting

Don’t harvest any spears the first year after you plant store bought asparagus.
 
Let the fronds grow and feed the root system.
 
You can take a light harvest in the second year, then full harvests from the third year onward.
 

2. Keep Weeds Away

Asparagus doesn’t compete well with weeds, especially when young.
 
Mulch regularly and hand-pull weeds to keep your patch clean.
 

3. Fertilize Annually

Feed your asparagus each spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
 
This keeps the plants vigorous and productive year after year.
 

So, Can You Plant Store Bought Asparagus?

You can plant store bought asparagus crowns and seeds, but not the spears from the grocery store.
 
Crowns are the easiest and fastest way to start your own patch.
 
With the right planting technique and a bit of patience, you’ll be harvesting homegrown asparagus for decades.
 
So go ahead and plant store bought asparagus crowns this season and enjoy the rewards for years to come.