California · Garden vegetables

Asparagus season in California

Typically early February to mid-June, with peak early March through late April.

Hatched chalk = early and late shoulders; solid = peak.

Desert and Delta fields start in late winter; the San Joaquin Delta is the heart of the crop.

At a glance

Early

From early February — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

early March through late April — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through mid-June — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 19 weeks end to end, shoulders included.

Asparagus

Look: Look for tight, closed tips and firm, smooth stalks with rich green or purple color all the way down.
Feel: Good spears snap cleanly rather than bend, and the cut ends look moist instead of woody and shriveled.
Smell: Fresh asparagus smells clean and faintly grassy — a sour or musty whiff means old stock.
Tip: Spear thickness reflects the age of the crown, not toughness — pick spears of even size so they cook evenly.
Keeps: Stand stalks upright in an inch of water in the fridge and use within three or four days.

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Frequently asked questions

When is asparagus season in California?

In California, the asparagus season typically runs early February to mid-June, with peak availability early March through late April. Exact weeks shift a little with each year's weather.

Can I pick my own asparagus in California?

Rarely offered u-pick since spears are cut daily — buy from spring farm stands and farmers markets instead. The best market weeks are early March through late April.

How long does asparagus season last in California?

about 19 weeks end to end — early February to mid-June. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.