How to Grow Green Lance
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Green Lance
Asparagus officinalis 'Green Lance'
vegetableGreen Lance is a high-yielding asparagus cultivar known for producing long, straight, tender green spears with excellent flavor and texture. This variety is particularly valued for its disease resistance and consistent performance across various growing regions. It's a perennial vegetable that produces for 15-20+ years once established.
When should you plant Green Lance in your zone?
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Example Green Lance timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Green Lance
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Green Lance
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Green Lance dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Crown establishment (Year 1)
Spring through fall of first yearNewly planted crowns send up thin shoots that develop into feathery fern-like foliage. Minimal to no spear harvest is taken.
Allow all shoots to grow; do not harvest. Water regularly and remove weeds. Mulch well to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.
Fern growth (Summer)
6-8 weeks post-harvestAfter spear production ends, the plant develops tall (3-5 feet), feathery fern-like foliage that photosynthesizes and stores energy in the crown.
Do not cut down fern until after the first hard frost. Allow fern to mature fully. Water regularly during dry spells. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.
Dormancy (Fall/Winter)
November through February (varies by zone)Foliage yellows and dies back after frost. Underground crown goes dormant and accumulates reserves for next season.
Cut back dead fern to soil level in late fall. Do not remove debris from bed. Reduce watering. Apply compost mulch for winter protection.
Harvest period (Spring)
4-8 weeks depending on temperature and zoneThick, tender green spears emerge in spring. Spears are 6-10 inches tall, pencil to finger-thick, with tight purple-tinged tips.
Begin light harvesting in year 2, moderate in year 3, full harvest from year 4 onward. Harvest when 7-9 inches tall by snapping or cutting below soil surface.
Post-harvest transition
2-3 weeksOnce peak harvest ends (when thin, spindly spears appear), allow remaining spears to grow into fern for photosynthesis.
Stop harvesting. Feed with balanced or nitrogen-heavy fertilizer. Continue regular watering. Weed carefully around emerging fern.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick adults and egg clusters in spring. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects. Remove debris in fall where beetles overwinter.
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Hand-pick in early morning. Use row covers on young growth. Apply neem oil. Use pheromone traps nearby to reduce populations.
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Remove and destroy infested spears and fern. Thin crowns for better air circulation. Remove old fern debris in fall.
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and
Remove debris and dense mulch near spears. Hand-pick at dawn. Use beer traps or copper barriers. Encourage ground beetles and parasitic flies.
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(fungal)
Choose disease-resistant varieties like Green Lance. Provide good air circulation. Remove infected fern in fall. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Fresh cooking and grilling
CulinaryGreen Lance spears are tender, sweet, and mild with a delicate nutty flavor. They're excellent steamed, roasted, grilled, stir-fried, or eaten fresh in salads and are a spring delicacy in many cuisines. [source]
Nutrient-rich food
CulinaryAsparagus is high in folate, vitamins A, C, and K, and contains glutathione (an antioxidant). Green Lance provides excellent nutritional value with minimal calories. [source]
Traditional wellness applications
MedicinalAsparagus has been used in traditional medicine to support kidney health, reduce inflammation, and promote general wellness. The high inulin content may support digestive health. [source]
Sustainable perennial gardening
HouseholdOnce established, asparagus beds require minimal inputs and produce reliably for 15-20+ years, making it an economical and sustainable vegetable crop for home gardeners. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect habitat
WildlifeAsparagus fern and tiny flowers attract pollinators and provide habitat for beneficial insects that control garden pests, supporting overall garden ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Year 1-2: Do not harvest or harvest only lightly (a few spears) to allow crown development. Year 3+: Harvest for 4-8 weeks starting when spears are 7-9 inches tall. Snap or cut spears at soil level; avoid pulling or twisting which damages new shoots. Harvest every 2-3 days when spears grow quickly in warm weather. Stop harvesting when spears become thin and spindly (pencil-thin), allowing them to become fern for photosynthesis. Peak harvest is typically late April through June in most zones.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Green Lance is a modern cultivar developed for superior disease resistance and consistent yield; it outperforms older varieties like Mary Washington in many growing regions.
- 🌱 Asparagus crowns can live and produce for 20-30+ years with proper care, making them one of the longest-producing perennial vegetables in the garden.
- 🌱 Asparagus is one of the few vegetables that improves with age—after the initial 2-3 year establishment period, harvests increase in volume and quality for the next 15+ years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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