Historically, cultivars such as Jersey Gem, Jersey Giant, Greenwich, UC157 F1, and Mary Washington were widely grown in North Carolina and the eastern United States. However, most Jersey-series cultivars are now less readily available, and Mary Washington is generally no longer recommended for commercial production due to lower yields and the production of volunteer seedlings. Current production systems increasingly favor modern all-male hybrids, including UC157 F1, Millennium, Atlas, and Apollo, which have demonstrated higher productivity, improved spear quality, and greater stand longevity in cultivar evaluations across the eastern U.S. Among California-bred cultivars, UC157 F1 remains an exception due to its adaptability to warmer climates and sandy soils, whereas many other California selections have exhibited reduced persistence and shorter stand life under humid southeastern growing conditions.

Fusarium crown and root rot (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. asparagi) is a key disease concern in asparagus crown production. Use certified, fungicide-treated seed when available, as additional on-farm seed disinfestation is generally unnecessary and may reduce seed vigor. Any seed treatment practices should rely on products specifically labeled for asparagus and follow current recommendations in the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.

Select fields with no history of asparagus production to reduce the risk of Fusarium crown and root rot (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. asparagi), a soilborne disease that can persist for many years. Asparagus is best suited to well-drained, deep soils that allow unrestricted root development and minimize periods of saturation. Sandy or sandy loam soils with good internal drainage are preferred, provided they have sufficient depth to support long-term crown growth and stand longevity.

Soil should be tested prior to planting to determine lime and fertilizer requirements. Asparagus performs best in soils with a pH between 6.7 and 7.0 and is poorly adapted to acidic conditions below pH 6.0. Maintaining soil pH near neutral also helps reduce the severity of Fusarium crown and root rot (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. asparagi), as pathogen survival and disease expression increase under acidic soil conditions. Preplant liming should be completed well in advance of planting to ensure adequate pH adjustment throughout the rooting zone.

Phosphorus and potassium should be applied according to soil test recommendations and incorporated prior to planting, as phosphorus is relatively immobile in the soil and cannot be effectively incorporated after establishment. Adequate levels of both nutrients are essential for early crown development and long-term stand productivity. Nitrogen requirements during establishment are moderate; excessive nitrogen prior to or during spear emergence does not improve yield and may increase disease risk. Nutrient applications following harvest should focus on supporting fern growth, which drives carbohydrate storage in the crown for subsequent seasons.

Annual soil testing is recommended during the first four years after establishment to monitor nutrient status and pH and to guide fertility adjustments. After the stand is fully established, soil testing every two years is generally sufficient. Fertilization and liming following harvest are preferred, as spring applications before spear emergence provide little benefit to the developing crop.

In general, nitrogen should be applied at planting at a rate of approximately 20 to 40 lb per acre to support early growth. Additional nitrogen applications of 20 to 30 lb per acre may be applied during the growing season, typically in late spring and early summer, depending on plant vigor and soil fertility status. Supplemental fertilization later in the season should be based on crown development and overall plant performance.

Asparagus crowns are typically spaced 12 to 18 inches apart within the row. Research indicates there is no long-term yield advantage to closer in-row spacing of 9 inches. Although narrower spacing may result in higher yields during the first few harvest years, total yields after four to five years are comparable to those achieved with 18-inch spacing. Closer spacing also increases establishment costs due to the greater number of crowns required. For example, at 5-ft row spacing, planting crowns 18 inches apart requires approximately 5,800 crowns per acre, whereas 12-inch spacing requires approximately 8,700 crowns per acre.

Asparagus should be planted in row blocks rather than as a continuous solid field. A common layout consists of blocks of five rows separated by drive rows, which facilitates equipment movement and improves spray coverage. Due to the dense fern canopy, effective insecticide and fungicide applications typically require an air-blast sprayer capable of delivering uniform coverage from both sides of the row block. Standard boom sprayers often cannot be adjusted high enough to provide adequate coverage without contacting and damaging ferns.

Planting dates vary by region within North Carolina. In eastern North Carolina, asparagus crowns are best planted from February 15 to March 31, while in western North Carolina planting is typically recommended from April 1 to May 31, once soils are workable and not excessively wet.

After planting, furrows may be completely filled to soil level without damaging the crowns. However, traffic over newly planted rows should be avoided, as soil compaction can delay or reduce spear emergence. Under adequate soil moisture conditions, spears typically emerge within one to two weeks.

Weed management is important for good crown growth and efficient harvest. Select fields with low weed infestations and plan to cultivate. For control of emerged weeds after seeding but just prior to emergence of asparagus seedlings, use a contact herbicide. After seedlings are 6 to 18 inches tall, use a post emergence herbicide. If annual or perennial grasses are present, apply herbicide.

Asparagus beetle can be a serious pest in asparagus crown nurseries, where feeding by adults and larvae can reduce fern vigor and crown development. Fields should be scouted regularly, and insecticide applications should be made only when beetles or larvae are present. Several insecticides are currently labeled for asparagus beetle control, and product selection should consider efficacy, resistance management, and protection of beneficial insects.

Armyworms may occasionally defoliate asparagus ferns and should be managed based on scouting and infestation levels. Insecticide options and application rates vary by product and formulation and must follow current label directions.

Growers should consult the most recent edition of the North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual or contact their local Cooperative Extension office for up-to-date recommendations, labeled products, and resistance management guidance.

Adequate and well-managed soil moisture is essential for successful asparagus establishment and long-term productivity. During germination and the first growing season, irrigation should maintain sufficient moisture to support continuous fern growth while avoiding prolonged soil saturation, which can restrict root development and increase the risk of Fusarium crown and root rot.

Asparagus develops an extensive and deep root system over time. During the establishment year, effective rooting depth is typically limited to the upper 12 to 18 inches of soil, but mature plants may explore depths exceeding 4 feet in well-drained soils. Irrigation during the first year should therefore focus on maintaining moisture within the upper root zone, gradually encouraging deeper rooting by applying water in amounts sufficient to wet the soil profile to at least 12 to 18 inches, followed by partial drying between irrigation events.

Soil moisture sensors can be a valuable tool for irrigation scheduling, particularly in sandy or sandy loam soils where plant-available water is limited. Sensors installed at multiple depths (for example, 6 and 12 inches during establishment) can help ensure that irrigation events are adequately wetting the root zone without causing excessive leaching. Irrigation should be initiated before soil moisture declines to levels that limit growth, while avoiding frequent shallow irrigations that promote shallow rooting and nutrient loss.

Both overhead and drip irrigation systems can be used successfully in asparagus, but each has limitations. Overhead irrigation is commonly used during establishment and can be effective for seed germination and uniform moisture distribution. However, prolonged leaf wetness under overhead irrigation may increase foliar disease risk and can be less efficient under windy or high-temperature conditions. Drip irrigation provides greater water-use efficiency, improved control of soil moisture, and reduced foliar wetting, making it well suited for long-term water management once the stand is established. Where drip irrigation is used, emitters should be spaced to ensure uniform wetting across the row and adequate lateral water movement within the soil profile.

High temperatures substantially increase water requirements due to elevated evapotranspiration rates. During periods of hot, dry weather, particularly in late spring and summer, irrigation frequency may need to increase to prevent moisture stress and premature fern senescence. Moisture stress during fern growth reduces carbohydrate storage in the crown and can negatively affect spear production in subsequent seasons. Irrigation scheduling during high-temperature periods should therefore be proactive, based on soil moisture status and atmospheric demand rather than fixed calendar intervals.

Prior to digging, dead fern growth should be removed by flail mowing or mechanical chopping. In North Carolina, fern senescence typically occurs in late fall to early winter, although timing may vary by location and weather conditions. Crowns should be dug as close to the intended planting date as practical to maintain vigor.

Several types of equipment may be used to lift crowns, including moldboard plows, peanut lifters, and bar-type potato diggers. Potato harvesters are often preferred because they lift crowns gently and allow efficient collection into bulk bins for sorting and handling. Care should be taken to minimize mechanical injury during digging and transport.

After digging, crowns should be removed from direct sunlight as quickly as possible to prevent desiccation. If planting is delayed, dormant crowns may be stored for short periods at approximately 40°F under high relative humidity to reduce moisture loss and maintain crown quality.

The minimum diameter of good one-year-old crowns is ¹⁄₂-inch. They should weigh 0.1 lb or more and have a cluster of large, well formed buds. All plants that show evidence of freeze injury, disease or serious mechanical damage should be culled. Also small crowns with fewer than 4 to 5 roots or with spots or off-color blemishes should be culled. Dip crowns for one minute in a fungicide suspension to reduce rots (refer to North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual).