Asparagus plants need 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week while developing. Once asparagus plants are mature, 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week will suffice. You can deliver 1 inch of water in 15 minutes of watering with a soaker hose.
A good rule of thumb is that green asparagus needs 2 inches of water per week until 2 years old and then 1 inch of water from then on. Asparagus ferns tend to do well with either consistent misting or once-a-week soaking. These are the best ways to water these perennial vegetables.
How Much Water Does Asparagus Need Per Day?
Asparagus needs 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water every week. Generally, the best way to make use of daily watering for asparagus is water the soil enough that it is consistently moist. Then, consistently mist asparagus rows to maintain soil moisture. You’ll generally want this moisture to extend several inches deep into the soil.
- Asparagus only needs 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of cool water each week for strong roots.
- You can mist your asparagus stalks daily to maintain soil moisture if you want.
- 15 minutes of soaking with a soaker hose will deliver 1 inch of water.
- 1 hour of watering with a sprinkler will provide 1 inch of water.
The misting approach can be tiring, so most asparagus farmers tend not to water every day. Soaking once a week is seen as a more reasonable approach if you are watering by hand. 15 minutes of soaking with a soaker hose will provide 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water to your asparagus. 30 minutes will give your asparagus garden 2 inches (5 cm) of water.
What is the Best Way to Water Asparagus?
The best ways to water an asparagus bed are with drip irrigation or a soaker hose. Drip systems provide asparagus ferns with light sprays of water a few times per week. This will ensure consistent soil moisture and great asparagus spear growth.
- One option is to use drip systems to consistently provide asparagus rows with small amounts of water.
- Alternatively, you can use a soaker hose to water asparagus
- 15-30 minutes per week with a soaker hose should provide asparagus with all the water they need.
- Split asparagus waterings up into 2–4 weekly sessions to avoid flooding the soil.
A soaker hose can provide all the water your asparagus needs. If you use a soaker hose once per-week, you will need to water for 15-30 minutes to provide the proper amount of water. Be sure your asparagus is planted in well-drained soils so water from the hose does not run off the soil surface. Use this soaker hose to provide you asparagus rows with all the water they need. It’s often a good idea to use a soaker hose 2–4 times per-week. Watering all at once can cause wet, swampy soil.
When Should You Stop Watering Asparagus?
Stop watering asparagus once the soil surface is damp but not swampy. Most asparagus plants prefer consistently damp soil but may experience crown rot in wetter conditions. You can soak the soil as long as the excess water drains away quickly. Asparagus can tolerate temporary soakings.
- Asparagus prefers damp soil but can tolerate temporarily soaked soil.
- A moisture meter will help you maintain the right soil moisture.
- If your soil becomes swampy during long watering sessions, consider breaking your watering up into multiple sessions per week.
If using a moisture meter, shoot for the lower end of the “moist” section of the scale. Use this garden moisture meter to maintain consistent moisture for your asparagus. Very long watering can sometimes lead to swampy soil. If you are using a soaker hose for long periods and it turns your garden into a muddy mess, split watering hours up into 2–4 sessions per week, rather than once per week.
Can You Overwater Asparagus?
You can definitely overwater asparagus. Excess water can lead to health issues for your plants. One such issue is asparagus rust which can cause your asparagus spears to become mottled with fungus. This fungus can take the form of yellow or black spots.
- Overwatered asparagus can suffer numerous health issues from rot to disease.
- Asparagus rust can ruin your harvest and is caused by overwatering.
- Your asparagus plant can even drown in the wrong conditions.
Asparagus roots can also become susceptible to crown rot if the soil moisture is too high. If the soil is completely soaked and not draining, asparagus roots won’t get enough air circulation and can suffocate. Make sure asparagus is planted in sandy soils to ensure proper drainage.
What are the Signs of Underwatered Asparagus?
Underwatered asparagus ferns can experience stunted growth and other health issues. Their ferny foliage can begin wilting and leaf drop is not uncommon. The most common early warning sign of underwatered asparagus is yellowing leaves. If you see this, then your asparagus needs more water.
- Underwatered asparagus can experience yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and wilting.
- Regular misting can help revive an underwatered asparagus plant.
Fortunately, there are tricks to revive underwatered asparagus. Try misting your asparagus with cool water regularly to perk it back up. Asparagus stalks need consistent soil moisture for ideal growth. Misting helps to maintain this moisture as well as ensure consistent soil temperatures. If your asparagus does not bounce back after regular mistings, consult your local garden center for advice.
How Often Do You Need to Water Asparagus?
Asparagus plants need frequent but small amounts of water to ensure a consistent soil moisture. In order to meet these needs, follow the tips below:
- Asparagus plants need 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week
- The best methods for watering asparagus is drip irrigation or by using a soaker hose.
- 15 minutes of watering with a soaker hose provides about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. 30 minutes provides 2 inches (5 cm).
- Split total watering hours into 2–4 weekly watering sessions to avoid flooding the soil.
- Stop watering asparagus once the surrounding soil is damp but not swampy.
- Overwatered asparagus can develop several health issues, such as root rot.
- Underwatered asparagus will begin to wilt but can be revived through daily misting.
These simple rules will help you to grow an abundance of asparagus in your garden. This moisture-loving plant needs plenty of water, but it will reward you with a delicious harvest of fresh asparagus spears.
