When to Plant Asparagus in Kentucky

In a typical Kentucky location, plant outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville.

Method Plant out (slips, crowns, or tubers)
Days to maturity 730–1095 days

Perennial; plant crowns 2-4 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Takes 2-3 years to full production.

Asparagus Planting Dates by City

CityPlant outdoors
LouisvilleMar 3 – Mar 17
LexingtonMar 16 – Mar 30
Lexington-FayetteMar 16 – Mar 30
MeadsMar 25 – Apr 8
Bowling GreenMar 8 – Mar 22
OwensboroMar 6 – Mar 20
CovingtonMar 19 – Apr 2
RichmondMar 18 – Apr 1
GeorgetownMar 16 – Mar 30
FlorenceMar 21 – Apr 4
HopkinsvilleMar 7 – Mar 21
NicholasvilleMar 10 – Mar 24
ElizabethtownMar 19 – Apr 2
HendersonMar 12 – Mar 26
FrankfortMar 18 – Apr 1
JeffersontownMar 6 – Mar 20
IndependenceMar 21 – Apr 4
PaducahMar 9 – Mar 23
Valley StationMar 3 – Mar 17
RadcliffMar 19 – Apr 2
AshlandMar 25 – Apr 8
NewburgMar 9 – Mar 23
MadisonvilleMar 5 – Mar 19
MurrayMar 8 – Mar 22
ErlangerMar 21 – Apr 4
WinchesterMar 23 – Apr 6
Fern CreekMar 9 – Mar 23
Saint MatthewsMar 6 – Mar 20
OkolonaMar 9 – Mar 23
DanvilleMar 12 – Mar 26

Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant asparagus in Kentucky?

In a typical Kentucky location, plant outdoors Mar 15 – Mar 29. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 3 in Louisville and as late as Apr 3 in Shelbyville.

When is the last frost in Kentucky?

The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do asparagus take to grow?

Asparagus typically take 730–1095 days from planting to harvest. Perennial; plant crowns 2-4 weeks before last frost as soon as soil can be worked. Takes 2-3 years to full production.

Other Crops in Kentucky

When to plant asparagus in other states

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