Top 20 Varieties of Asparagus to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable prized for its tender spears that signal the start of spring. Once established, asparagus plants can produce harvests for up to 20 years, making them an excellent long-term addition to your garden. Asparagus is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s relatively easy to grow and thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. With a variety of cultivars available, you can choose from traditional green, vibrant purple, or even white asparagus. Here’s your guide to the top 20 asparagus varieties to grow, complete with helpful tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions about growing this popular vegetable.

Top 20 Asparagus Varieties to Grow

1. Mary Washington

Tips: Mary Washington thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns in early spring and water regularly during the growing season.
Facts: This classic heirloom variety is known for its high yield and disease resistance. The spears are tender with a mild, sweet flavor.

2. Purple Passion

Tips: Purple Passion grows best in full sun and fertile soil. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Facts: Known for its deep purple color, this variety has a sweeter, less fibrous texture than green asparagus. It turns green when cooked.

3. Jersey Giant

Tips: Jersey Giant asparagus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns in spring, and fertilize annually to encourage growth.
Facts: This male-dominant hybrid produces large, tender spears with excellent disease resistance. It’s known for its high productivity.

4. UC 157

Tips: UC 157 thrives in warm climates and sandy, well-drained soil. Water consistently to keep the plants healthy.
Facts: A popular variety for commercial growers, UC 157 is known for its high yield and tender, sweet spears. It’s heat-tolerant and performs well in warm regions.

5. Millennium

Tips: Millennium asparagus grows best in cool climates and well-drained soil. Plant in full sun and water regularly.
Facts: This cold-hardy variety is known for its high yields and excellent disease resistance. The spears are tender and flavorful.

6. Jersey Knight

Tips: Jersey Knight prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Fertilize in early spring and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This variety produces thick, tender spears and is highly resistant to rust and fusarium. It’s one of the best choices for cold climates.

7. Sweet Purple

Tips: Sweet Purple grows well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: This purple variety is known for its sweet flavor and tender texture. The spears are larger than traditional green asparagus and turn green when cooked.

8. Apollo

Tips: Apollo asparagus thrives in warm, sunny climates and well-drained soil. Plant in spring and water regularly during dry periods.
Facts: This variety is known for its high heat tolerance and disease resistance. It produces thick, tender spears with a rich flavor.

9. Precoce d’Argenteuil

Tips: Precoce d’Argenteuil grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns in early spring and provide consistent moisture.
Facts: This French heirloom variety is known for its thick, rosy-pink spears with excellent flavor. It’s often used for white asparagus production.

10. Viking KB3

Tips: Viking KB3 asparagus prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture.
Facts: Known for its high yield and disease resistance, Viking KB3 produces thick, tender spears and performs well in both cool and warm climates.

11. Guelph Millennium

Tips: Guelph Millennium grows well in full sun and fertile soil. Plant in early spring and water regularly to ensure strong growth.
Facts: Bred for cold climates, this variety is known for its high yield and excellent flavor. The spears are thick and tender, ideal for fresh eating or cooking.

12. Jersey Supreme

Tips: Jersey Supreme thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Fertilize in early spring and provide plenty of water during the growing season.
Facts: This early-maturing variety produces thick, tender spears and is highly resistant to disease. It’s a great choice for colder climates.

13. Atlas

Tips: Atlas asparagus prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns in early spring and water consistently throughout the growing season.
Facts: Known for its heat tolerance, Atlas produces thick, tender spears that are perfect for warmer climates. It has excellent disease resistance.

14. Pacific Purple

Tips: Pacific Purple grows best in full sun and rich soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This deep purple variety has a sweet, tender flavor and is less fibrous than green asparagus. It’s perfect for fresh eating or cooking.

15. Argenteuil

Tips: Argenteuil prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns in early spring and provide regular watering for optimal growth.
Facts: This French heirloom variety is known for its thick, pink-tinted spears and sweet flavor. It’s often used for growing white asparagus.

16. Grande Hybrid

Tips: Grande Hybrid grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in spring and water regularly to ensure healthy growth.
Facts: This hybrid variety produces high yields of thick, tender spears. It’s known for its disease resistance and cold tolerance.

17. Taurus

Tips: Taurus asparagus grows best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: This variety is prized for its high productivity and thick, flavorful spears. It’s resistant to common asparagus diseases.

18. Pacific 2000

Tips: Pacific 2000 prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant crowns in early spring and water regularly for the best results.
Facts: This heat-tolerant variety produces long, straight spears with excellent flavor. It’s perfect for warm regions with hot summers.

19. Dulce Verde

Tips: Dulce Verde grows well in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly to ensure healthy, vigorous growth.
Facts: Known for its tender, sweet spears, Dulce Verde is a cold-hardy variety that performs well in cooler climates.

20. Jersey King

Tips: Jersey King prefers full sun and fertile soil. Fertilize in early spring and provide plenty of water during the growing season.
Facts: This hybrid variety is known for its high yield and thick, tender spears. It’s highly resistant to rust and other common diseases.

Common Questions About Growing Asparagus

Q: When should I plant asparagus?
A: Asparagus is best planted in early spring, once the soil has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed. Planting crowns (1-year-old roots) is the most common method, as they establish quicker than seeds.

Q: How long does asparagus take to grow?
A: Asparagus takes about 2-3 years to become fully established. While you may see some growth in the first year, it’s best to wait until the second or third year to start harvesting for a more productive yield.

Q: Can I grow asparagus in containers?
A: While asparagus can be grown in containers, it’s not ideal due to the plant’s deep root system and long life span. If you do choose to grow asparagus in containers, use a large, deep pot (at least 18 inches deep) and ensure it has good drainage.

Q: How do I know when asparagus is ready to harvest?
A: Asparagus is ready to harvest when the spears are about 6-10 inches tall and the tips are still tightly closed. Harvest by cutting or snapping the spears just above the soil line. Stop harvesting once the spears become thin.

Q: How do I store harvested asparagus?
A: Freshly harvested asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh, store the spears upright in a container with a little water or wrap the stem ends in a damp paper towel.