Should You Let Asparagus Go To Seed? The Pros and Cons Explained

Asparagus is a popular early spring vegetable that also makes an attractive garden plant when allowed to grow into ferny foliage and red berries later in the season. But should you let your asparagus go to seed after the harvest period ends? There are good arguments on both sides of this gardening debate

In this article, we’ll look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of letting asparagus set seed to help you make an informed decision for your garden.

An Overview of Asparagus Plants

First, let’s review some asparagus biology and growth habits:

• Perennial vegetable that produces edible young spears in early spring

• After spears are harvested, foliage ferns grow 3-5 feet tall

• In summer, some plants produce red berries that contain seeds

• Roots survive winter and regenerate new spears each spring

• Needs to establish for 2-3 years before harvesting spears

• Productive for 15-20 years when properly cared for

• Two sexes – male plants more desirable, female plants produce seed

So in considering whether or not to allow seed production, it’s important to understand asparagus is a long-lived perennial that puts energy into both its roots and growth cycle each season. Next, let’s look at potential advantages of letting asparagus go to seed.

The Benefits and Reasons For Allowing Asparagus to Set Seed

Here are some of the main advantages and reasons why a gardener may choose to allow asparagus to go to seed:

Allows the plant to complete its lifecycle

Asparagus is a flowering plant that reproduces through seeds. Allowing it to go to seed lets the plant complete its entire reproductive lifecycle which some argue improves overall vigor.

Can prolong the harvest

In theory, allowing energy reserves to go into seeds instead of spears may prolong the spring harvest period slightly.

Good for self-seeding more plants

The red berries contain seeds that will self-sow into new volunteer asparagus plants. These can be transplanted elsewhere to expand beds.

Attractive foliage interest

The ferny, wispy foliage that develops after the spears provides nice textural contrast in the garden.

Food source for birds and beneficial insects

Birds will eat the red berries and carry seeds to new locations. Beneficial insects may also feed on the flowers and summer foliage.

Less work and maintenance

Letting asparagus go wild after spring spear harvest means less time and labor spent on cutting back ferns and amending soil.

So for some gardeners, allowing asparagus to go to seed may be lower maintenance, provides extended visual appeal, supports wildlife, and spreads new plants – good reasons to let the spears turn into lacy flowers and berries. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.

The Disadvantages and Reasons to Remove Asparagus Seed Stalks

Here are some of the main disadvantages and reasons why a gardener may choose to prevent asparagus from going to seed:

Reduces spear production

Energy that goes into seed production means less energy reserved in the roots for next year’s spear growth. Seeds may reduce yields.

Female plants are less productive

Female asparagus plants that make seeds/berries produce smaller and fewer spears than male plants.

Can become weedy or invasive

Prolific self-seeding from the berries creates more volunteers to weed out. Allows spread into unwanted areas.

May harbor diseases and insects

The berry seeds and summertime foliage can harbor overwintering diseases and pests.

Messy foliage

Dry ferns and berries in fall create more debris and mess around the garden.

Appearance

Some gardeners prefer the clean look of cut back beds before winter dormancy.

More work removing old ferns

Need to cut back dead foliage in winter before spring spear emergence.

So for some gardeners, preventing asparagus from going to seed reduces unwanted spread, pests, and debris while promoting higher yield. However, it involves more hands-on maintenance.

Now that we’ve explored reasons on both sides, let’s go through some best practices and compromises.

Expert Tips on Managing Asparagus Seed Production

Many expert gardeners recommend a balanced approach when it comes to letting asparagus go to seed:

Stop harvesting spears by mid-June

Stop cutting spears by mid-June at the latest so plants can focus energy on roots and next year’s crop.

Allow some, but not all, plants to go to seed

Let a few plants produce seeds for self-sowing but cut stalks of others to reduce spread.

Remove female plants after 3-4 years

Thin out older female plants that have already produced seeds for several seasons.

Clean up foliage before winter

Cut back dead ferns and remove debris in late fall or early winter to remove shelter for pests.

Monitor for diseases and insects

Scout for signs of fungal diseases like rust and remove badly infected plants. Check for asparagus beetles and remove berries if they harbor larvae.

Start new beds from seed or crowns

Rather than relying solely on self-seeding, it’s better to start new beds from purchased crowns or nursery seedlings.

Find visual alternatives for summer interest

Use colourful summer annuals like zinnias or dahlias to replace the asparagus foliage display.

Utilize male hybrid varieties

Choose improved all-male varieties like Jersey Knight that are developed for higher spear production.

By following this kind of compromise between allowing some seed production and removing specific plants, many gardeners find an optimal balance.

When and How to Cut Back Asparagus Foliage

If you do opt to prevent asparagus from going to seed, proper timing on cutting it back is important:

• Leave ferns until they yellow or frost kills them in fall. Continued photosynthesis benefits the plant’s roots.

• Cut foliage down to 2-3” above soil before winter once it is fully dormant and dried out.

• Can mulch beds after ferns are removed to protect roots.

• Avoid cutting back ferns too early before they transfer maximum energy to the roots.

• Be careful not to damage emerging spears if you cut back ferns too late.

• Dispose of cut foliage if disease was present.

Some gardeners prefer to remove spears and foliage earlier for a tidy look, but it’s best to leave some foliage at least until mid-summer. Completely cutting back early reduces growth for next year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Asparagus and Seed Production

Here are answers to some other common questions about managing asparagus plants:

Does cutting asparagus ferns reduce yield?

Yes, cutting ferns too early causes some reduction in spear yield the following spring. Leaving foliage until it matures allows more photosynthesis energy to be stored.

Should all asparagus seed stalks be removed?

You can leave some plants untouched to self-seed but cut back others. Removing all seed stalks isn’t necessary but may boost yields.

Can you transplant self-seeded asparagus?

Yes, volunteer asparagus seedlings can be dug up and transplanted. Ensure the root crowns are buried at proper depth.

Do all asparagus plants produce seeds?

No, only female plants produce the red berries that contain seeds. Male hybrids and younger plants may not make seeds.

Can asparagus be grown from seed?

Asparagus can be grown from seed but takes 3 years to produce spears. Most commercial growers use 1 year old crowns for faster harvest.

Deciding What’s Best for Your Asparagus

As we’ve explored, there are pros and cons to both allowing asparagus to set seed and preventing it. What’s ultimately best depends on your particular gardening goals and values.

If boosting spear production is paramount, eliminate seed stalks. But if naturalism, low maintenance, and self-sowing plants are more important, let some go to seed. Apply the tips above to find the right balance for your unique site and needs.

Over time, you may find your preferences change as you gain experience. Perhaps you start with extra seeds and volunteers appreciated, then later opt for fewer but higher yielding plants.

The most important thing is to make an intentional choice based on your garden’s conditions and your goals. Then adjust as needed year after year to keep your asparagus patch healthy, productive and looking its best.