Asparagus 'Mary Washington'

A Timeless Heirloom Variety for Reliable Yields and Superior Flavor
Asparagus 'Mary Washington' is a classic, heirloom asparagus variety cherished for its tender, flavorful spears and robust growth. Known for its high productivity and ability to thrive in various climates, this perennial favorite has been a staple in gardens for generations. Whether you're planting a new asparagus bed or enhancing an existing one, Mary Washington offers dependable performance and years of delicious harvests.

Key Benefits

• Tender and Delicious: Produces sweet, tender spears ideal for a variety of culinary uses, from steaming to grilling.
• High Yield: Renowned for its prolific harvests, ensuring plenty of fresh asparagus year after year.
• Cold Hardy: Thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for both cool and warm climates.
• Disease Resistant: Naturally resistant to common asparagus diseases such as rust and fusarium wilt, promoting healthier plants.
• Perennial Longevity: Once established, Mary Washington will provide abundant harvests for up to 20 years, making it a long-term investment for your garden.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Early Spring: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost or sow directly into the garden after the soil has warmed to 50°F (10°C).
• Fall Planting: In mild climates, seeds can also be sown in the fall for spring germination.

Seed Preparation

• Pre-Germination: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates.
• Cold Stratification: Chilling seeds in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks can further enhance germination success.

Planting Details

• Depth: Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep in loose, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds or transplants 12 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart to allow room for mature plants.
• Light: Requires full sun for optimal growth, though partial shade is tolerated.

Watering and Care

• Water Needs: Maintain consistent soil moisture during germination and early growth. Once established, asparagus is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during dry spells.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in early spring and after harvesting to replenish nutrients.
• Weed Control: Keep the asparagus bed weed-free to minimize competition for nutrients.
• Mulching: Mulch around plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Harvesting: Start harvesting spears in the second or third year after planting, allowing plants to establish strong root systems. Harvest spears when they are 6-8 inches tall and stop harvesting in late spring to let the ferns grow and store energy for the next season.

Perfect For

• Home Gardens: Ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable, long-term source of fresh asparagus.
• Perennial Beds: Mary Washington asparagus is a beautiful addition to perennial vegetable gardens.
• Market Gardening: Popular among market growers for its high yield, disease resistance, and classic flavor.
• Raised Beds: Thrives in well-drained soil conditions, making it perfect for raised bed gardening.

Coverage

• Packet: Covers up to 25 square feet, providing ample opportunity to start or expand an asparagus patch.

Grow Fresh, Flavorful Asparagus with 'Mary Washington'

Discover the timeless appeal of Asparagus 'Mary Washington', an heirloom variety that combines rich flavor with reliable performance. With minimal maintenance and perennial longevity, this variety offers fresh, tender spears for years to come.

Order your seeds today and start growing a garden classic!