It is advisable to plant the best variety available, as an asparagus bed should remain productive for at least 15 to 20 years. If you are starting a new bed, you may never get to choose a variety again if your bed produces that long. All the newer varieties are cold tolerant and are resistant to rust and fusarium. Asparagus should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. Seeds are sown in a production bed and allowed to grow for a year.
Adventurous gardeners can start their own plants from seed.
Although this adds a year to the process of establishing the bed, it does ensure fresh plants and the widest possible variety selection. Place the plants in a trench 12 to 18 inches wide and a full six inches deep. The crowns should be spaced 9 to 12 inches apart. Spread the roots out uniformly, with the crown bud side up, in an upright, centered position, slightly higher than the roots. Cover the crown with two inches of soil.