When to Plant Asparagus in Oklahoma: The Ultimate Guide

When to Plant Asparagus in Oklahoma

Asparagus is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is also a relatively easy crop to grow, but it is important to plant it at the right time in order to get the best results.

In Oklahoma, the best time to plant asparagus is in the early spring, after the last frost. This will give the plants time to establish themselves before the heat of summer sets in.

When planting asparagus, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. The soil should be amended with compost or manure to provide the plants with the nutrients they need.

Asparagus plants should be spaced about 18 inches apart. The rows should be spaced about 3 feet apart.

After planting, the asparagus bed should be watered regularly. The plants will need about 1 inch of water per week.

Asparagus is a perennial crop, which means that it will come back year after year. The first year, the plants will produce only a few spears. However, the second year and beyond, the plants will produce a larger harvest.

Asparagus is ready to harvest when the spears are about 6 inches tall. To harvest the spears, simply snap them off at the base.

Asparagus is a delicious and healthy vegetable that is easy to grow in Oklahoma. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh asparagus from your own garden all summer long.

Month	Soil Temperature	Days to Harvest
March	55F	70-80
April	60F	60-70
May	65F	50-60

Climate and Soil

Asparagus is a hardy perennial that can grow in a variety of climates, but it does best in areas with cool summers and mild winters. In Oklahoma, asparagus can be grown in all but the warmest areas of the state. The ideal climate for asparagus growth is one with average daytime temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and average nighttime temperatures of 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Asparagus also prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve drainage by adding compost or sand to the soil. You can also test the pH of your soil using a soil test kit.

To prepare your soil for asparagus planting, you will need to dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Add a 3-inch layer of compost or manure to the bottom of the trench, and then cover it with soil. Plant the asparagus crowns 12 inches apart in the trench. The crowns should be placed with the roots facing down and the tips facing up. Cover the crowns with soil, and then water the area thoroughly.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of asparagus that are suitable for growing in Oklahoma. Some of the most popular varieties include:

• Jersey Giant: This variety is known for its large, thick spears. It is a vigorous grower and can produce a heavy crop of asparagus.
• Martha Washington: This variety is a good choice for small gardens. It is a slow-growing variety, but it produces a long harvest of asparagus spears.
• Purple Passion: This variety is known for its dark purple spears. It is a good choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of color to their garden.

When choosing a variety of asparagus to grow in Oklahoma, it is important to consider the climate and soil conditions in your area. You should also choose a variety that is resistant to the diseases and pests that are common in your area.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Oklahoma. By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of asparagus spears year after year.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• [The University of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service has a fact sheet on asparagus](https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/asparagus-production-oklahoma/)
• [The National Gardening Association has a guide to growing asparagus](https://www.gardening.org/learn/articles/vegetables/asparagus-growing-guide)
• [The Old Farmer’s Almanac has a planting guide for asparagus](https://www.almanac.com/plant/asparagus)

Planting and Care

When to plant asparagus in Oklahoma

The best time to plant asparagus in Oklahoma is in the early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This is typically in March or April. However, you can also plant asparagus in the fall, as long as the ground is still warm.

How to plant asparagus

To plant asparagus, you will need to dig a trench about 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. In the bottom of the trench, add a 3-inch layer of compost or manure. Then, place the asparagus crowns, spaced 12 inches apart, on top of the compost. Cover the crowns with soil, leaving the tips exposed.

How to care for asparagus

Asparagus is a relatively low-maintenance crop. Once it is established, it will only need occasional watering and fertilizing.

Watering

Asparagus needs regular watering, especially during the dry summer months. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Fertilizing

Asparagus should be fertilized in the spring, before the spears begin to emerge. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet.

Harvesting and Storage

When to harvest asparagus

Asparagus is ready to harvest when the spears are 6 to 8 inches tall. To harvest, snap the spears off at the base, just below the soil level.

How to harvest asparagus

Asparagus should be harvested in the morning, when the spears are fresh and crisp. Harvest the spears regularly, as soon as they are ready. This will encourage the plant to produce more spears.

How to store asparagus

Asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store, wrap the spears in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.

Harvesting and Storage

When to harvest asparagus

Asparagus is ready to harvest when the spears are 6 to 8 inches tall. To harvest, snap the spears off at the base, just below the soil level.

How to harvest asparagus

Asparagus should be harvested in the morning, when the spears are fresh and crisp. Harvest the spears regularly, as soon as they are ready. This will encourage the plant to produce more spears.

How to store asparagus

Asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store, wrap the spears in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Oklahoma. By following these planting and care tips, you can enjoy fresh asparagus spears from your own garden all summer long.

When is the best time to plant asparagus in Oklahoma?

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can be grown in Oklahoma. The best time to plant asparagus is in the spring, when the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can also plant asparagus in the fall, as long as the ground is not frozen.

How do I prepare the soil for planting asparagus?

Asparagus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility. If your soil is heavy clay, you may also need to add sand to improve drainage.

How deep should I plant asparagus crowns?

Asparagus crowns should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep. If you plant them too deep, they will not be able to produce spears. If you plant them too shallow, they will be susceptible to frost damage.

How far apart should I space asparagus crowns?

Asparagus crowns should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. This will allow for good air circulation and prevent the crowns from overcrowding each other.

How much water does asparagus need?

Asparagus needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the asparagus deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

When do I harvest asparagus?

Asparagus spears are ready to harvest when they are 6 to 8 inches long. To harvest, snap the spears off at the base of the plant. Do not cut the spears with a knife, as this will damage the crown.

How long will asparagus last?

Asparagus spears will last for up to a week in the refrigerator. To store, wrap the spears in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.

How can I prevent asparagus from bolting?

Asparagus can bolt when the days get too long. To prevent this, you can cover the asparagus with a row cover or shade cloth when the days start to get longer. You can also harvest the spears regularly, as this will encourage the plant to produce more spears.

What are some common pests and diseases of asparagus?

Asparagus can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, asparagus beetles, asparagus rust, and fusarium wilt. To control pests and diseases, you can use organic pesticides and fungicides, or you can practice good garden sanitation.

When to plant asparagus in Oklahoma depends on the variety you choose. Most varieties are hardy in zones 3-8, so you can plant them in the spring or fall. However, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to wait until the soil has warmed up in the spring to plant asparagus.

Asparagus is a perennial plant, so it will come back year after year. The best time to plant asparagus is in the spring, when the soil is warm and moist. You can also plant asparagus in the fall, but it will take longer to establish itself.

To plant asparagus, dig a trench about 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Fill the trench with compost or well-rotted manure. Place the asparagus crowns 12 inches apart in the trench, and cover them with soil. Water the plants well.

Asparagus will need about 1 inch of water per week. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture. Asparagus is a heavy feeder, so you will need to fertilize it regularly.

Asparagus is ready to harvest when the spears are about 6 inches tall. To harvest asparagus, snap the spears off at the base. Be careful not to damage the crowns.

Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Oklahoma. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh asparagus from your own garden for many years to come.

Here are some key takeaways regarding when to plant asparagus in Oklahoma:

• Most varieties of asparagus are hardy in zones 3-8, so you can plant them in the spring or fall.
• If you live in a colder climate, you may want to wait until the soil has warmed up in the spring to plant asparagus.
• The best time to plant asparagus is in the spring, when the soil is warm and moist.
• You can also plant asparagus in the fall, but it will take longer to establish itself.
• Asparagus is a perennial plant, so it will come back year after year.
• To plant asparagus, dig a trench about 12 inches wide and 10 inches deep. Fill the trench with compost or well-rotted manure. Place the asparagus crowns 12 inches apart in the trench, and cover them with soil. Water the plants well.
• Asparagus will need about 1 inch of water per week. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture. Asparagus is a heavy feeder, so you will need to fertilize it regularly.
• Asparagus is ready to harvest when the spears are about 6 inches tall. To harvest asparagus, snap the spears off at the base. Be careful not to damage the crowns.
• Asparagus is a delicious and nutritious vegetable that is easy to grow in Oklahoma. By following these tips, you can enjoy fresh asparagus from your own garden for many years to come.