Asparagus seeds will germinate in 10 to 56 days. Soaking the seeds before planting can speed up the process. Once the seeds have started growing, you should wait until the 3rd spring before harvesting any spears. This will give the asparagus plants a thriving root system for better harvests every year.

Over-harvesting asparagus can prevent your plants from growing new spears the next year. Always leave some ferns to grow so they can store up energy for another spring crop. Another possible reason for asparagus to not come back is if the crown died from being too cold or from damage caused by insects or disease.

White asparagus stays white because of “blanching.” This is a process of growing the asparagus and covering the emerging spears so they don’t get any sunlight. It results in an interesting but less nutrient-dense vegetable.

When female asparagus plants mature, they will focus their energy towards producing berries with seed. Pick the berries when they turn red in the late fall. Squish the berries and separate the seeds by rinsing with water. Seeds will need to set out to dry for several weeks. Once they are fully dry, store them in a cool, dark location to plant again another season.