How tall do asparagus plants (the vegetable) get??

Hi... I'm thinking about planting an asparagus bed, but I'm finding conflicting information about it. Most online sites state that the plants get quite tall (5ft or so) and bushy, thus taking up a bit of space and creating a lot of shade to other plants. However, the asparagus roots being sold at Walmart state they only get 5-7 INCHES tall. ????? Help? 5-7 inches I can handle in my garden... but 5ft will require that I do a lot of prep work, locating an area of yard I want to give up for the next 15yrs or so. Does anyone have these plants???

How tall do asparagus plants (the vegetable) get??
I would assume that the Walmart information refers to the height of the spear before you pick it. If you don't pick the spears, then they grow tall and fern-like. I remember my plants being about 3-4 feet tall, although other sites say 5 - 6 feet tall. It may depend on the length of your growing season (ours is short and hot). It will take up about as much space as a peony. It doesn't create a lot of shade. It's actually kind of pretty, so you can plant it in among other flowers if you want. You can also cut it back when you are done picking asparagus, if you want to control the height.
Reply:I would say that walmart is not the most reliable source of information. Asparagus gets quite tall but really does nt create much shade. Since it is a perreniel you should put it on the edge of the garden someplace you do not mind devoting to a permanent planting. Also keep in mind that you can not harvest it in the first year- and the second year you get harvest it very lightly. It really needs to have a chance to develope a strong root system. I have ghad mine in for several years now and get a good supply in season. My Grandmother planted asparagus in then 1940's and my parents still harvest from her bed.
Reply:It is correct that the height to cut asparagus to eat is about 5-7 inches. However, after you have harvested for the spring, you need to let the plants grow through the summer to replenish the roots. These "ferns" will be 4-5 feet tall and are necessary to ensure a crop for next year.
Reply:yes, you are supposed to pick them when they get that height. me and my dad like to plant things, and once we planted asparagus that got about 6 ft high! i thought is was funny, but you couldnt eat it at that point. just pick it at 5-8 inches, and all will be well. ^___^
Reply:WHOA! This discussion needs some focus. Asparagus plants are difficult to work with because they are different from other plants. Not to say it's hard to grow them, because it's not -- you just have to follow the rules.



Buy 1-year old crowns. You can get these at most garden centers. Even Menards has them. You plant them in a hole six inches deep, spaced one foot apart. You see, asparagus plants have roots that grow out horizontally, not down like most plants. That's why you need the space.



Also realize that asparagus is a perennial plant, so it'll come back year after year, so place it in the side of the garden. Follow the planting instructions EXACTLY as you "fill the hole" up as the asparagus grow. You DO NOT cover the whole thing up.



The first year DO NOT pick any asparagus. It was hard for me to wait, but the first year is used for the plants to develop energy so they can come back the next year. Let the plants grow into fronds, which can be from 3-10 feet tall, depending on your soil condition and light.



In year #2, you can only pick asparagus for two weeks. Some gardeners suggest not at all, because the bed is still establishing itself. I just can't wait any longer, so I'm going to pick mine.



In year #3, you can take as much as you want. BUT, do leave some asparagus to grow to fronds so the bed can develop energy. To harvest, snap the spears as close to the ground as you can. Spears must be at least as thick as a pencil if you are going to harvest. If not, let them grow to spears.



IMPORTANT: the spears you let grow must be left up until the first frost. Then cut them down. Not doing so could endanger your asparagus plants by allowing the wilt virus to overwinter.



So, lots of rules, but a good bed can produce asparagus for up to 20 years! The hard work will pay off!

gina