Harvesting Asparagus Plants

Are you ready to enjoy delicious homegrown vegetables? Harvest is the time to enjoy the results of your hard work. Keep a few things in consideration as you reap the benefits of your labor: the best time to harvest your plants, and how to store your vegetables.

NOTE: This is part 11 in a series of 11 articles. For a complete background on how to grow asparagus plants, we recommend starting from the beginning.

When to Harvest

Asparagus spears should be lightly harvested the first two years until the plants are established. By the third year, you should have a nice crop from late April until spears grow thin, usually late June.

A common mistake made by new growers is to harvest too long. This can cause a permanent reduction in vigor and health of the plant and reduce yields the following years. It is best to harvest in the morning when air temperatures are cool.

To harvest spears, cut just below the soil surface or snap off just above the ground by bending it from the top toward the ground. Harvest spears 5 to 9 inches in length.

Annual Average Yield per Year:

  • One plant, 8 to 10 spears
  • A family of 4 plants, 20-30 crowns.

Storage

After harvest immerse the spears in ice water, drain, pat dry, place in bags and immediately refrigerate. Asparagus will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze first blanch for two minutes in boiling water. Dry on paper towels and place in freezer bags.

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