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How to Grow Asparagus in Eastern Ontario: A Perennial Guide for Canadian Gardeners
- Eric & Ines
- May 14
- 3 min read
Growing Asparagus in Eastern Ontario: A Perennial Investment for Your Garden
Asparagus is one of the first true signs of spring, and in Eastern Ontario's cool climate, it thrives with the right care. Though it takes patience to establish, asparagus rewards you with bountiful harvests for 15 to 20 years or more. Here’s your guide to growing this perennial gem from seed or crown, along with maintenance tips, harvesting advice, and why it’s worth the wait.
Choosing the Right Asparagus Varieties
Eastern Ontario's climate—with cold winters and moderate summers—is well-suited to hardy, disease-resistant asparagus varieties. Look for:
Millennium: A Canadian-bred variety that's highly adaptable, cold-hardy, and performs exceptionally well in heavier soils. Developed at the University of Guelph.
Jersey Giant: Known for its high yield and disease resistance, especially against rust and fusarium. Ideal for cool climates.
Guelph Eclipse or Guelph Millennium: Both developed at the University of Guelph for Canadian growers, with strong cold tolerance and high productivity.
Planting Asparagus: Seed vs Crown
From Crown (Recommended for Faster Results)
When to Plant: Late April to early May, once the soil has warmed to around 10°C (50°F).
How to Plant:
Choose a sunny, well-drained site free of perennial weeds.
Dig a trench 30 cm (12") wide and about 20–25 cm (8–10") deep.
Add compost or aged manure to the bottom.
Place crowns about 30–45 cm (12–18") apart, spreading the roots out like an octopus.
Cover with 5–7 cm (2–3") of soil, then gradually fill in the trench as the shoots grow.
From Seed (Takes Longer to Establish)
Start Seeds Indoors: In late February to March.
Transplant Outdoors: After the last frost, once seedlings are about 10–15 cm (4–6") tall.
First Harvest: Usually in the third year, compared to the second year with crowns.
Care and Maintenance
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Mature asparagus is drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering during dry spells.
Weed Control: Essential in the first few years. Mulch with straw or shredded leaves to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Fertilizing:
Early spring: Apply compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.
Mid-summer: Side-dress with compost after harvest ends.
Support: Mature ferns can grow 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) tall. Leave them standing over winter to protect the crowns and encourage snow insulation.
Cutting Back: In early spring, cut back browned fern stalks to ground level.
Harvesting Expectations
Year 1: No harvest. Focus on root development.
Year 2 (if planted from crown): Light harvest for 2–3 weeks.
Year 3 and beyond: Full harvest for 6–8 weeks, typically from early May to mid-June in Eastern Ontario.
How to Harvest: Snap or cut spears at ground level when they are 15–20 cm (6–8") tall and before the tips start to open.
Health Benefits of Asparagus
Nutrient Dense: High in vitamins K, C, A, and folate.
Digestive Health: Rich in inulin, a prebiotic that supports gut health.
Antioxidants: Contains glutathione, which supports cellular detoxification.
Low in Calories: A great choice for healthy, seasonal eating.
Tips for Long-Term Success
Location is Key: Asparagus doesn’t like to be moved. Choose a permanent spot.
Soil Prep Matters: A deeply dug, well-fed bed can make all the difference. Well drained soil is beneficial.
Be Patient: This crop takes time, but once established, it rewards you every spring for decades.
Rotate Beds: Avoid planting asparagus where nightshades (like tomatoes or potatoes) have recently grown to reduce disease pressure.
In Summary
Growing asparagus in Eastern Ontario requires some planning and patience, but it’s one of the most rewarding investments for a perennial kitchen garden. With cold-hardy varieties like Millennium and proper planting techniques, you’ll soon be enjoying crisp, tender spears straight from your backyard each spring—year after year.
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