Guelph Eclipse
Asparagus in the US

Most folks buy crowns, to be honest, but you can sow asparagus seeds. It's a bit of a longer game, mind. You'll want to sow them indoors, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, in seed trays or individual pots, about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Keep them warm, around 70-75°F (21-24°C), and once they sprout, make sure they get plenty of light. Timing for sowing varies quite a bit by USDA zone, from January in warmer zones like 9 and 10, right through to May in colder zones 3 and 4, so check your local timings.

Once your seedlings are big enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. When they're sturdy and all danger of frost has passed, you need to harden them off gradually over a couple of weeks before planting them out. Plant your young asparagus plants or crowns about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in trenches, about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep. Fill in the trenches bit by bit as the plants grow, creating a small mound.