My 7 Foot Asparagus
Growing asparagus in your garden is already a rewarding experience, but discovering a towering 7-foot stalk is nothing short of astonishing. When most people think of asparagus, they picture short, tender spears harvested early in spring—not a lanky green giant standing taller than most people. If you’re wondering how asparagus can grow that tall and what to do with it, you’re not alone. Here’s the story of my 7-foot asparagus, what I learned, and what you should know about these fascinating perennial plants.
The Start of Something Tall
I planted my asparagus crowns about three years ago in a sunny patch of well-drained soil. The first couple of seasons were mostly about patience. Asparagus takes time to establish deep roots, and early harvesting can weaken the plant in the long run. By the third year, though, the harvest was hearty—and then came the giant.
In mid-June, long after the regular harvesting period ended, I noticed one spear I hadn’t cut had shot up fast. Within a few weeks, it was taller than the garden stakes. By the end of July, it had grown over 7 feet tall and was waving in the wind like a green, feathery flag.
Why Asparagus Grows So Tall
Asparagus plants are perennials, and when left unharvested, the spears mature into tall, fern-like stalks. This process is crucial for the plant’s lifecycle. The “fern” phase allows the plant to photosynthesize and store energy in its crown for the next growing season. What most people don’t realize is that these ferns can grow incredibly tall—especially if the conditions are just right: fertile soil, adequate water, and plenty of sun.
A 7-foot asparagus isn’t typical, but it’s not unnatural either. Some varieties, like Jersey Giant or Purple Passion, are known to grow tall under ideal circumstances. My garden’s combination of compost-rich soil and consistent watering must’ve been the perfect storm for growth.
What to Do With a 7-Foot Asparagus
If you find yourself with a towering asparagus stalk, don’t panic or pull it out. That fern is feeding the crown below, ensuring next year’s harvest will be just as strong—if not stronger. Let it do its thing.
However, make sure the tall fern is supported. A plant that tall can get top-heavy and snap in high winds. I tied mine gently to a bamboo pole to keep it upright.
Seasonal Care Tips
As fall approaches, the fern will start to yellow and die back. Once it’s fully brown and brittle, you can cut it down to about 2 inches above the soil line. This keeps the bed tidy and prepares the plant for dormancy.
Come spring, new spears will emerge again—fresh, edible, and ready for the plate. The bigger the fern, the more energy stored, and the better the crop.
Final Thoughts
Seeing a 7-foot asparagus in the garden is a great reminder that nature often exceeds our expectations. What starts as a small, delicate spear can become a tall, stately fern that plays an important role in the plant’s future health. So if you spot an asparagus towering above the rest, celebrate it—it means you’re doing something right.
