I am still out here planting seeds on a weekly basis, and December has proven to be a surprisingly generous month. If you garden in Zone 8 and are thinking long-term, December is not too late—it is right on time.
Asparagus is not a quick crop, but it is one of the most rewarding long-term investments you can make in a garden—especially in USDA Zone 8. December is an excellent time to begin asparagus when the soil is workable and winter temperatures allow roots to establish slowly and deeply. While you won’t harvest spears right away, planting asparagus in December sets the foundation for a productive bed that can last 15–20 years.
Asparagus spends its first years building a strong root system rather than producing harvestable spears. and in zone 8, winter conditions are mild enough to allow roots to settle in without the stress of summer heat.
December planting offers several advantages:
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Roots establish before spring growth begins
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Containers provides less weeds and pest pressure
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Natural winter moisture supports root development
- Cooler soil reduces transplant shock
Unlike warm-season crops, asparagus benefits from patience and seasonal rhythm. Winter planting allows the plant to focus entirely on underground growth.
Asparagus can be started from seed in December, especially if you want more variety options or are building beds economically. Seeds germinate slowly and may benefit from being started indoors or in a protected cold frame/ green house.
Seeds planted now will spend their first year establishing roots and fern growth. Here is a image of the beginning stages/ fern growth about 7 or 8 years ago. At about year 3 you can expect to have full harvest of asparagus and there's nothing like the taste.
Let's talk about the health benefits: Asparagus are beyond healthy. they are a nutrient-dense, low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamins (K, C, A, folate) and antioxidants, offering benefits like improved digestion (fiber), heart health (folate), bone strength (Vit K), and potential anti-inflammatory and immunity support, while also acting as a natural diuretic to reduce bloating. It's versatile, easy to add to diets, and supports a healthy gut with prebiotic fiber, benefiting brain health and mood.
Planting Asparagus Crowns
Crowns are the most common way to establish asparagus beds. In Zone 8, dormant crowns can be planted in late fall or winter as long as the ground is not frozen.
December is ideal for planting crowns because they remain dormant while roots begin settling into the soil.
How to Plant Asparagus for Long-Term Success
1. Site Selection
Choose a permanent location with full sun. Asparagus does not like to be moved once established and requires space to spread over time.
Select a site that receives at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily and has good drainage.
2. Soil Preparation
Asparagus thrives in deep, fertile soil.
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Loosen soil 12–18 inches deep
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Amend generously with compost or aged manure
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Aim for slightly alkaline soil if possible
Good soil preparation now will support decades of growth.
3. Planting Depth & Spacing
For crowns:
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Dig trenches 6–8 inches deep
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Space crowns 12–18 inches apart
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Rows should be 3–4 feet apart
Cover lightly with soil, filling in more soil gradually as shoots grow.
For seeds:
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Plant seeds ½ inch deep
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Space seeds 2–3 inches apart
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Thin seedlings later to proper spacing
Watering & Winter Care
Keep soil lightly moist but never waterlogged. Winter rainfall in Zone 8 often provides sufficient moisture, but newly planted crowns should not dry out completely.
Mulching heavily with straw, leaves, or compost helps:
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Regulate soil temperature
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Prevent erosion
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Suppress weeds
Asparagus is very cold tolerant, but mulch adds insurance during sudden cold snaps.
What to Expect After December Planting
Do not expect to harvest asparagus the first year. The timeline typically looks like this:
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Year 1: Root and fern development only
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Year 2: Very light harvest (optional)
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Year 3 and beyond: Full harvest season
Allowing asparagus to fully establish before harvesting ensures thicker spears and longer bed life.
Best Asparagus Varieties for Zone 8
Consider varieties known for productivity and heat tolerance:
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Jersey Giant
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Jersey Knight
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Jersey Supreme
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Mary Washington
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Purple Passion
These varieties perform well in Zone 8 climates and overwinter reliably.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Harvesting too early
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Planting in poorly drained soil
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Choosing a temporary location
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Skipping soil preparation
Asparagus rewards gardeners who plan ahead and resist rushing the process.
Final Thoughts
Growing asparagus in December in Zone 8 is about vision and patience. While it requires time before harvest, the payoff is significant—tender spears every spring for years to come.
By planting during the winter months, you give asparagus exactly what it needs: cool soil, minimal stress, and time to establish strong roots. December is not the off-season—it is the foundation season.