After planting asparagus, how long must I wait before I can begin to harvest spears?

Question:

After planting asparagus, how long must I wait before I can begin to harvest spears?

Answer:

Asparagus plants should be allowed to become well established before any spears are harvested.  No spears should be harvested during the first growing season.  Asparagus can be harvested over a three to four week period during its second growing season.  In following years, asparagus plantings can be harvested until early to mid-June.  Harvest asparagus by cutting or snapping the spears when they reach a height of 6 to 8 inches.