Mary Washington Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) is a popular, heirloom variety known for its productivity, disease resistance, and delicious, tender spears. As a perennial vegetable, it can produce bountiful harvests for 15-20 years once established. Growing asparagus requires patience, but the long-term rewards are well worth the wait.
Planting Mary Washington Asparagus
Sunlight: Select a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting Crowns Preparation: Dig a trench 12-18 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep. Space trenches 3-4 feet apart if planting multiple rows.
Planting Crowns : Spread a layer of compost in the bottom of the trench, then create a small mound of soil down the center. Place crowns on top of the mound, spreading the roots evenly. Space crowns 12-18 inches apart in the trench.
Covering Crowns: Cover the crowns with 2 inches of soil. As the plants grow, gradually fill in the trench with soil, covering the emerging shoots until the trench is filled.
Planting Seeds Starting Indoors: Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C). Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Planting Seeds Direct Sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.
Caring for Mary Washington Asparagus
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first two years of growth. Water deeply and regularly, providing about 1-2 inches of water per week. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization: Fertilize asparagus in early spring and again after the harvest season. Use a balanced fertilizer or compost to provide essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive fern growth at the expense of spear production.
Mulching and Weeding: Apply a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Keep the asparagus bed weed-free, especially during the establishment phase, to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Pest and Disease Management: Asparagus is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, watch for asparagus beetles and rust. Hand-pick beetles and use organic pest control methods if necessary. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
Fern Care: Allow the asparagus ferns to grow after the harvest season to nourish the crowns for next year’s crop. Cut back the ferns to the ground in late fall or early spring before new growth begins.
Harvesting Mary Washington Asparagus
When to Harvest: Do not harvest asparagus during the first two years after planting crowns or the first three years if starting from seeds. This allows the plants to establish a strong root system. Begin harvesting in the third year for crowns and the fourth year for seeds. Harvest spears when they are 6-8 inches tall and about the diameter of your pinky finger.
How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife or asparagus harvester to cut the spears at or just below the soil surface. Harvest regularly every 1-3 days during the 4-6 week harvest period to encourage continuous production.
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