Asparagus is an easy-to-grow perennial, prized for its tender shoots or spears, which are rich in vitamin A and fiber, supporting healthy digestion. It thrives in most parts of Australia and can be enjoyed raw, steamed, or roasted in various dishes. Growing asparagus requires patience, especially if starting from seeds. Seed-grown plants take three years to produce a harvest, allowing the root system to strengthen, whereas crowns can be harvested in the second year. One advantage of seed-grown asparagus is the presence of both male and female plants. While female plants are often culled by crown growers due to lower productivity, they offer the benefit of producing seeds, enabling you to grow more asparagus at no extra cost. Additionally, female plants produce beautiful red berries, adding ornamental value to the garden. Despite producing fewer, thinner spears, the aesthetic and seed-gathering benefits make female asparagus plants worthwhile. Beyond its culinary uses, asparagus offers ferny foliage that enhances the garden’s visual appeal, especially when adorned with shiny red berries.