Photo: Aceera BV, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Garden asparagus: when and how to prune
Asparagus officinalis
Garden asparagus is best pruned in February and November.
| Pruning months | February and November |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Garden asparagus: when to prune it?
In November, cut down the yellowed foliage; on a healthy bed in a nature garden it can stay until February.
Garden asparagus: how to prune it?
- After harvesting, let the foliage grow freely: it feeds the roots for next year.
- Cut the foliage down to 5 cm above the ground once it has turned completely yellow in autumn.
- If the foliage had asparagus beetle or rust, put it in the household waste, not on the compost heap.
- On a disease-free bed the foliage can stand until February: birds eat the berries and small insects overwinter in the stems.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: February and November. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Never cut the foliage while it is still green: you would weaken the plant and get fewer, thinner spears next spring.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Garden asparagus · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.