When to Plant

Living in Seattle gives us a perfect advantage for growing asparagus! The best time to plant bare root asparagus in Seattle is early spring, around March or April. Our mild, rainy climate creates ideal conditions for these perennial vegetables to thrive.

Step by Step Planting Guide

1. Prepare Your Crowns

Before planting, The Garden Fixes recommends soaking your bare root asparagus crowns in water for a couple of hours. This helps hydrate them and improves their survival rate.

2. Choose the Right Location

Find a spot with full sun exposure - asparagus needs at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Since Seattle gets plenty of rain, ensure your chosen area has well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging.

3. Dig Your Trenches

Dig trenches about 6-8 inches deep and 12 inches wide
Space multiple trenches 2-5 feet apart if planting rows

4. Plant the Crowns

Place crowns in the trench with the bud side facing up
Space each crown 12-18 inches apart
Spread the roots out below
Cover with about 2 inches of soil initially

5. Water and Mulch

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to control weeds and maintain moisture. Water deeply, providing 1-2 inches of water per week (though Seattle's rain often helps with this).

Tips

The Pacific Northwest's combination of sun and rain is perfect for asparagus, but watch for:

Good drainage - Our frequent rain means preventing water-logged soil is crucial
Asparagus beetles - These pests love our climate too, so keep an eye out

Patience Pays Off

Remember, asparagus takes 2-3 years to establish before you can harvest regularly. Once established, your asparagus bed can produce for up to 15 years! When spears reach 6-8 inches tall with tight tips, they're ready to harvest.

With Seattle's gardener-friendly climate and these simple steps, you'll be enjoying homegrown asparagus for years to come.

Purple Passion Asparagus at West Seattle Nursery

Sources:
The Garden Fixes
Evergreen Seeds

How to Plant Bare Root Asparagus in Seattle