Your guide to British asparagus season

Celebrate seasonal produce with glorious British asparagus. See when asparagus is in season and how to use this versatile veg.

Assistant Copywriter

Florence Head

You know spring has officially sprung with the arrival of our British asparagus, and some of it comes from the Chinn family’s farms in the Wye Valley. The light, sandy soil and cooler climate there create the ideal growing conditions, allowing flavours to develop slowly and naturally.

When Ben Fogle met the Chinn family, he saw how that quality starts in the ground. Using regenerative farming practices – like disturbing the soil less and covering it with straw and compost – they focus on nurturing the life beneath the surface. By working with nature, soil health improves, biodiversity thrives and asparagus crowns grow stronger, producing spears that are tender, full of flavour and cook beautifully. It’s a perfect example of how at M&S, caring for the land and supporting British farmers goes hand in hand with exceptional quality.

Discover our asparagus

What is asparagus?

Asparagus is an earthy, green vegetable grown during the spring. It’s a herbaceous perennial plant, and the parts we eat are actually young shoots of a lily plant. It takes patience to grow, as it can take up to four years to produce edible spears. Asparagus spears should be firm and straight with pointed tips. It can be steamed, grilled or roasted and will become deliciously tender once cooked.

Asparagus recipes

When is asparagus in season?

Asparagus is typically grown in Britain from late April until the end of June. At M&S, we’re able to get a head start on asparagus season to deliver the best spears from early spring. Chris Chinn uses modern farming techniques, such as polythene covers and drip irrigation, and the farm’s south-facing slopes to grow asparagus for longer. This means he can harvest the first spears in February and continue to grow them through to the beginning of July.

Where we source our asparagus

Chris Chinn and his fourth-generation farming family have been supplying us with British asparagus since 2005 – because nobody understands this stunning spring crop like they do. The Chinn family are committed to working in harmony with nature. “We have grass waterways within our fields and add wildflower mixes to attract pollinators,” says Chris. They also work with Cranfield University, experimenting with winter crops to build up organic matter, improve the soil’s microbiome and increase earthworm numbers because, as Chris says, “Healthy soil grows healthy food.”

How to use asparagus

Our succulent asparagus can be used in everything from brunch recipes to luxurious dinners and savoury sides. Start the day with this asparagus and gruyère omelette, with soft, aromatic herbs and a leafy side salad. Asparagus is the star of the show of this asparagus and warm grain salad loaded with juicy Santini tomatoes, Italian mozzarella, and hearty grains. For a 10-minute asparagus side, pan-fry with fiery chilli, garlic and toasted almond flakes. Whip up a filling dinner with this creamy salmon, asparagus and pea risotto or this fragrant asparagus and prawn coconut noodle soup.

More asparagus ideas

This is not just asparagus

We only choose the best asparagus from M&S Select Farms for the pick of the crop. Our trusted farmers supply spears with the best texture and flavour to stock our Foodhalls. With unique farming techniques, we’re able to grow asparagus earlier and for longer than the typical asparagus season. To learn more about seasonal fruit and veg, check out our guide to British produce.

What’s in season

Published 05/05/2026