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Asparagus (Millennium)

perennial

Growing reference
Spacing
8 in
Trellis
no
Transplant
Mar 18(-4 w)
Water
1-2 per week
Lifecycle
perennial
Seed source
Johnny's Selected Seeds

Planted as crowns 3-4 weeks before last frost. Drop crowns into a 5-8 in deep furrow, root-side down, buds up; cover with 2-3 in soil at planting and gradually fill the furrow as shoots grow. Wait 2-3 years after planting before any meaningful harvest — established beds then yield for 15-20+ years. Spring spears come up over a 6-8 week window.

First-year asparagus crowns in Deck bed B. No real harvest for 2-3 years, but the ferns are already up and feeding the crowns for next year.

Millennium is the cold-hardy all-male hybrid bred at the University of Guelph — heavy producer once established, holds up to Zone 4 winters. Crowns went into Deck bed B in late March, root-side down, in a 6-inch-deep furrow that I gradually backfilled as spears emerged. No harvesting this year (or really next) — patience tax.

  1. May 23, 2026
    Ferns established (May 24)
    Ferns established (May 24)

    First-year ferns up to roughly the top of the planter — feathery and tall. These stay all season feeding the crown for 2027.