An asparagus planting lasts 15 to 25 years without replanting if it is well cared for and the climate is suitable. It does not do well if summers are extremely hot and long and winters are mild. Crowns grow from seed planted in flats or peat cups in October for January transplanting, or they are transplanted from an existing asparagus bed. It takes 1 year to grow a good crown. It requires 3 years from the time the crown is planted until the bed is in full production.
Buds arise from the crown when conditions are favorable and develop into edible spears.
This reserve supplies the energy necessary to produce spears the following year. Asparagus does best in a deep, well-drained soil with full sunlight. Since an asparagus planting lasts many years, good seedbed preparation is essential. The soil should be free of trash, soil insects and weeds such as johnsongrass and bermudagrass before planting. In late fall, spread a 3-inch layer of organic matter such as manure, rotted sawdust or compost over the beds.