Basic Information Asparagus officinalis Basic Sowing information: Sow January - February indoors 15-20°C sow outdoors March when the ground has warmed up. Sow 3-5cm deep in situ in spring, germination slow and erratic. Thin out to 7cm apart. Cut back in autumn to 2.5cm above ground level. Lift crowns in April and transplant 10cm deep into a trench in final position, the roots being deeper at 20cm the shape of the trench being convex (the centre mounded up to take the crown) with the crown sitting on top. Space 38cm between rows. Harvest small crop in the second year after planting.