UK sowing calendar
When to sow asparagus in the UK
Asparagus sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | n/a |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Mar-Apr (plant crowns) |
| Harvest | mid-Apr-mid-Jun |
A long-lived perennial usually grown from one-year-old crowns planted Mar-Apr. Do NOT cut any spears in years 1-2 while the crown builds up; from year 3 harvest mid-Apr to mid-Jun, then stop (~late June) and let the ferns feed next year's crop.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for asparagus.
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When to sow asparagus in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow asparagus in the UK?
Sow asparagus outdoors mar-apr (plant crowns). A long-lived perennial usually grown from one-year-old crowns planted Mar-Apr. Do NOT cut any spears in years 1-2 while the crown builds up; from year 3 harvest mid-Apr to mid-Jun, then stop (~late June) and let the ferns feed next year's crop.
Can you sow asparagus outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant asparagus outdoors mar-apr (plant crowns). Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is asparagus ready to harvest in the UK?
Asparagus is typically harvested mid-Apr-mid-Jun in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow asparagus?
It depends on the month and your region. Asparagus has a UK outdoor window of mar-apr (plant crowns); northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.