asparagus spindles - Ask Extension
Hello,
My asparagus patch is in its 5th or 6th year. The first few days the stalks were coming up normally but now the vast majority are coming up as...
Knowledgebase
asparagus spindles #929347
Asked April 23, 2026, 11:22 AM EDT
Hello,
My asparagus patch is in its 5th or 6th year. The first few days the stalks were coming up normally but now the vast majority are coming up as thin spindles. Do we let the spindles grow to seed to strengthen the patch, or will that just stop the patch's production (which just started)? My dad thinks we cut them back and fatter stalks will come up but I'm hesitant!
It is still very early in the harvest season. I did not harvest more than a few weeks last year so it wasn't over harvested. A friend of mine is having the same issue with his crop in Cedar Rapids.
Thanks for your help and advice!
Linn County Iowa
Expert Response
The causes of weak and spindly asparagus spears and low yields are usually cultural. It indicates that the root system has been weakened from:
- Over-harvesting; such as cutting spears for more than 6-8 weeks in a season. This leads to a lack of mature "ferns" which are necessary to replenish the root system.
- Failure to allow a sufficient number of spears to mature.
- Cutting mature "ferns" down before they naturally yellow in the fall.
- Letting the asparagus bed become choked by weeds.
- Failure to fertilize and lime as needed.
Here are a few articles about growing, maintaining and harvesting asparagus that might be helpful:
Harvesting Asparagus | Yard and Garden
Harvesting asparagus | UMN Extension
Growing Asparagus at Home - MSU Extension
Growing Asparagus in a Home Garden | University of Maryland Extension
