Virginia · Garden vegetables

Asparagus season in Virginia

Typically mid-April to late May, with peak early May through mid-May.

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

At a glance

Early

From mid-April — first pickings, lighter supply, best prices come later.

Peak

early May through mid-May — full stalls, full flavor. This is the stretch to plan around.

Late

Through late May — quantity for preserving, and the stalls start dealing.

Season length

about 6 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 Virginia?

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

Can I pick my own asparagus in Virginia?

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

How long does asparagus season last in Virginia?

about 6 weeks end to end — mid-April to late May. The early and late shoulders are real but lighter; the solid stretch of chalk on the band is the sure bet.