It may be productive for as long as 20 years. It possesses a light, fernlike foliage and reaches a height of over 90 cm, and a spread of 45 cm. Asparagus is a cool season crop growing best at 16 to 24oC in regions with cool winters that provide the necessary dormant period. Plants should be placed in an open, but not exposed site. Asparagus tolerates a very wide range of moderately fertile soils, although acid soils should be limed.
Good drainage is essential.
Asparagus is traditionally grown by planting one year old plants or crowns in the spring. The crowns should be fleshy and never be allowed to dry out before planting. Plants should be about 40 cm apart, either in single or double rows. Crowns should be planted about 10 to 12 cm deep by first making a small trench with a central, mounded ridge along the flat base. The roots should be spread evenly over the ridge, and be covered with soil to the level of the crowns.