Planting crowns closer than 12 inches results in reduced spear size and quality. Spacing crowns farther than 18 inches apart may result in larger spears but fewer spears per acre. Gradually fill in the furrow as shoots emerge. By the end of the season, the furrows should be entirely filled in, although the developing asparagus fern should never be buried. Side view of typical furrow construction.
Weeds cause the greatest problem in establishing an asparagus bed from crowns.
Apply an appropriate herbicide immediately after the crowns are covered should control weeds until the asparagus is large enough to be cultivated easily and safely. Transplanting seedlings into the field is an acceptable alternative to crown planting. Seedlings are produced in greenhouses and are usually transplanted into permanent commercial fields when they are about 10 to 14 weeks old. The young seedlings can be mechanically transplanted, which reduces planting costs. Studies indicate that survival rates are comparable to those of crown plantings.