11 Tips for Growing 10-Foot Asparagus
Growing asparagus is a long-term commitment, but the rewards are well worth the patience. While standard asparagus plants typically reach heights of 4 to 6 feet when fully matured and flowering, with the right care and conditions, it’s possible to encourage extraordinarily tall growth — even reaching an impressive 10 feet! Whether you’re aiming for ornamental grandeur or simply want a thriving asparagus patch, these 11 tips will help you grow tall, healthy asparagus plants.
1. Choose a Vigorous Variety Start with a high-yielding and tall-growing asparagus variety. ‘Jersey Giant’ and ‘Millennium’ are known for their vigor and size. Opt for male hybrids, as they tend to grow taller and more robust than female plants.
2. Plant in Full Sun Asparagus needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun encourages healthy photosynthesis, which fuels tall, strong growth. Choose a south-facing location for maximum sun exposure.
3. Prepare Deep, Rich Soil Tall asparagus requires deep rooting, so prepare the soil thoroughly. Till to a depth of 12-18 inches and amend with compost, aged manure, or organic matter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
4. Space Crowns Properly Give asparagus crowns plenty of room to grow. Space them 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. Proper spacing reduces competition and allows plants to grow upwards efficiently.
5. Fertilize Regularly Feed your asparagus bed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after the harvest season. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, which can translate to taller plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak stems.
6. Water Deeply and Consistently Tall asparagus needs a consistent supply of water. Aim for 1-2 inches per week, depending on rainfall. Deep watering encourages deeper root systems, which support taller stalks.
7. Mulch Generously Apply a thick layer of mulch around asparagus plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulching also improves soil health over time, contributing to robust growth.
8. Support Mature Plants As asparagus ferns grow tall, they may need support to stay upright, especially in windy areas. Use stakes or garden twine to support the plants and prevent them from falling over.
9. Allow Full Fern Development After the harvest season, let the spears grow into full ferns. These ferns feed the crown through photosynthesis and are essential for future growth. Taller ferns indicate healthy root systems and can reach up to 10 feet under ideal conditions.
10. Keep the Bed Weed-Free Weeds compete for nutrients, water, and light. Regularly remove weeds from your asparagus bed to reduce competition and allow your plants to grow tall and strong.
11. Be Patient and Persistent Growing asparagus to such an exceptional height won’t happen overnight. It takes 2-3 years for crowns to establish, and tall growth is most likely after several seasons of proper care. Don’t harvest too aggressively in the early years—let the plant build strength.
Final Thoughts While 10-foot-tall asparagus is an ambitious goal, it’s not out of reach for the dedicated gardener. With the right variety, ideal growing conditions, and consistent care, your asparagus patch can reach impressive heights and remain productive for decades. Start early, stay diligent, and watch your asparagus soar!
