How Do You Grow White Asparagus

You can grow white asparagus by planting asparagus crowns in deep, well-drained soil and then hilling soil over the emerging spears to block sunlight.
 
That’s the simple answer to how do you grow white asparagus, but the full process is a bit more involved than that one-liner suggests.
 
Unlike green asparagus, which turns green because it photosynthesizes in the sun, white asparagus stays white because it’s grown entirely in the dark.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how do you grow white asparagus at home, the good news is that it’s totally doable with a little patience and the right technique.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how do you grow white asparagus step by step, from choosing crowns to harvesting those tender, mild spears.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How Do You Grow White Asparagus: The Basics

How do you grow white asparagus successfully?
 
You start by understanding that white asparagus isn’t a different plant from green asparagus.
 
It’s the same species, just grown differently.
 
When you grow white asparagus, you’re essentially denying the spears any light.
 
Without light, they can’t produce chlorophyll, so they stay pale and tender.
 
That’s the whole secret behind how do you grow white asparagus.
 

1. Start With the Right Asparagus Crowns

To grow white asparagus, you’ll want to begin with one-year-old crowns rather than seeds.
 
Crowns give you a head start and are much easier to manage.
 
Look for varieties known for thick, tender spears, like ‘Purple Passion’ or standard Mary Washington.
 
When you grow white asparagus, crown quality matters because healthy crowns produce stronger spears.
 

2. Prepare Deep, Well-Drained Soil

How do you grow white asparagus in soil that works?
 
You need deep, loose, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
 
Asparagus roots go deep, so till at least 12 to 18 inches down.
 
Mix in compost or aged manure to give your crowns a nutrient-rich start.
 
Good drainage is critical because soggy roots will rot before you ever get to harvest.
 

3. Plant Crowns in Trenches

When you grow white asparagus, plant crowns in trenches about 6 to 8 inches deep.
 
Space them 12 to 18 inches apart within the row.
 
Spread the roots out over a small mound of soil in the trench.
 
Cover them with just a couple inches of soil at first.
 
As shoots emerge, gradually fill the trench back in.
 

Hilling Soil to Grow White Asparagus

The key step in how do you grow white asparagus is hilling.
 
Once your plants are established, you mound soil over the rows as spears start to push up.
 
This blocks all light from reaching the developing spears.
 
Without light, the spears stay white and tender.
 
How do you grow white asparagus without hilling?
 
You really can’t, because light exposure is what turns them green.
 

1. Time Your Hilling Right

Start hilling when you see the first spears breaking through the soil in spring.
 
Add soil gradually as the spears grow, keeping them completely covered.
 
The goal when you grow white asparagus is to keep the tips buried at all times.
 

2. Use Loose, Fine Soil or Sand

The material you hill with matters when you grow white asparagus.
 
Fine soil or sand works best because it’s easy for spears to push through.
 
Avoid heavy clay, which can crush or deform the spears.
 

3. Maintain Consistent Moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
 
White asparagus spears need steady moisture to grow straight and tender.
 
Drip irrigation under the soil surface is ideal when you grow white asparagus.
 

Harvesting White Asparagus

How do you grow white asparagus to the point of harvest?
 
You wait.
 
Patience is everything when you grow white asparagus because you shouldn’t harvest until the third year after planting.
 
Harvest spears when they’re about 6 to 8 inches long and the tips are still tight.
 
Use a knife to cut just below the soil surface.
 
Be gentle so you don’t damage nearby spears.
 
Stop harvesting after about six to eight weeks to let the plants recharge.
 

1. Don’t Overharvest

Overharvesting is the quickest way to weaken your patch.
 
When you grow white asparagus, give plants time to build energy for next year.
 

2. Let Ferns Grow After Harvest

After harvest, let the spears develop into tall ferny stalks.
 
These ferns feed the crowns for the next season.
 
That’s a crucial part of how do you grow white asparagus long-term.
 

So, How Do You Grow White Asparagus?

You grow white asparagus by planting crowns in deep, rich soil and hilling soil over the spears to block all light.
 
The process takes patience, but the reward is those sweet, tender spears that cost a fortune at the store.
 
Now that you know how do you grow white asparagus, you can start your own patch and enjoy a truly special harvest.
 
Happy gardening.