Asparagus 'Mary Washington' – 100 Seeds

Asparagus – Mary Washington

Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington'

Mary Washington Asparagus is a time-tested, heirloom variety known for its vigorous growth, tender green spears, and excellent flavor. A favorite among home gardeners and market growers alike, this perennial vegetable produces for 15+ years once established, making it a long-term investment in fresh homegrown spears.

Why Grow Mary Washington?

• Classic, Reliable Variety – First introduced in the early 1900s
• Tender, Flavorful Spears – Mild, sweet taste ideal for steaming, grilling, or roasting
• Cold Hardy & Rust Tolerant – Tolerates frost and has good tolerance to asparagus rust
• Long-Lived Perennial – Yields increase each year with proper care
• Attractive Fern-Like Foliage – Adds ornamental value after harvest season

Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Best suited to temperate climates, tolerating winter chill (zones 3–8).
• Light Requirements: Requires full sun (6–8+ hours daily) for vigorous spear production.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season; avoid waterlogging. Deep watering is ideal.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Good drainage is essential to prevent crown rot.
• Planting:

  • Crowns: Plant in early spring, 6–12 inches apart in trenches 6–8 inches deep. Cover gradually as they grow.

  • Seeds: Start indoors or direct sow in early spring; transplant after frost danger passes.
• Fertilization: Top-dress with compost or apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and midseason. Avoid heavy nitrogen to prevent excessive fern growth.
• Harvesting: Begin light harvest in year 2, with full harvests by year 3. Cut spears at 6–8 inches tall in spring; stop when spears thin to pencil size.

Pro Tip: After harvest, allow ferns to grow and feed the crown—do not cut back until they die off in fall. This strengthens next year's crop.

Grow Mary Washington Asparagus for a reliable, low-maintenance perennial harvest year after year—an old-fashioned favorite that never goes out of style!