The best time to cut back asparagus is during dormancy, which means either in the late fall after the first frost or in early spring before new spears begin to emerge. It is important to wait until the asparagus ferns have completely died back and turned brown or yellow, ensuring the foliage is dry and crunchy before cutting. The cutting should be done close to the ground, about 1-2 inches (2.5 cm) above the soil level. Cutting in late fall after frost helps reduce asparagus beetle populations by removing their overwintering habitat, while cutting in early spring should be done before any new spears appear to avoid damaging them. Leaving ferns standing until they have died off naturally allows them to feed the crowns for next season's growth, so cutting too early can reduce vigor. After cutting back, it's beneficial to mulch the bed to protect plants and suppress weeds. In summary:
- Cut asparagus back after the ferns have turned yellow/brown and dried (usually after the first frost in fall or in early spring).
- Cut stems 1-2 inches above soil.
- Cut back in late fall to reduce pests or in early spring before spear emergence.
- Mulch the bed after cutting.
This helps ensure healthy, productive asparagus plants and can improve harvest quality for the following season.
