Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Asparagaceae family. It grows 1–1.6 m (3.3–5.2 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Asparagus in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Asparagus at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.6 m (3.3–5.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: young spears |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Asparagus toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: berries, mature foliage
Red berries and ferny foliage can upset the stomach.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Asparagus
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Asparagus
- How far apart should I plant Asparagus?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Asparagus need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Asparagus need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Asparagus?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Asparagus flower?
- From about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Asparagus poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Red berries and ferny foliage can upset the stomach.
- What grows well with Asparagus?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Asparagus. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Spears are harvested from year three; ferns shade neighbours in summer.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana
- Adam's needle (yucca) Yucca filamentosa