- Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Perennial
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.
When to Plant: Asparagus is best planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Planting crowns (1-year-old plants) is the most common method, but you can also start from seeds if you have more time and patience.
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: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: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.
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.
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.
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.
Storing Fresh Asparagus: Freshly harvested asparagus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Place the spears upright in a container with a small amount of water or wrap the cut ends in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag.
Culinary Uses: Asparagus is versatile and can be steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted, or sautéed. It makes a delicious addition to salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and as a side dish.
Visit Our Detailed Asparagus Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Mary Washington Asparagus offers a tender, mild flavor with a slightly sweet, earthy taste, making it a versatile ingredient in both simple and sophisticated dishes.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for steaming, grilling, roasting, or adding to soups and salads, Mary Washington Asparagus brings a delicate yet distinctive flavor to any meal. It pairs beautifully with lemon, garlic, and butter, as well as with fresh herbs and cheeses.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: This variety produces long, slender spears with deep green tips and a touch of purple, adding visual interest to both your garden and your plate.
Height: Mary Washington Asparagus typically reaches heights of 4-5 feet (120-150 cm) once fully established, with feathery, fern-like foliage that creates a lush, ornamental backdrop in garden beds.
Growth Habit: As a perennial plant, Mary Washington Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It requires patience to establish but rewards gardeners with abundant harvests each spring for many years to come.
Benefits of Growing Mary Washington Asparagus
Long-Lived Perennial: Once established, Mary Washington Asparagus provides delicious, tender spears year after year, making it a rewarding investment for your garden.
Rich Flavor: The mild, slightly sweet taste of this asparagus variety enhances a wide range of dishes, from simple sides to gourmet creations.
Low Maintenance: Mary Washington Asparagus is a hardy and resilient plant, requiring minimal care once established, and is known for its resistance to common asparagus diseases.
Ornamental Value: In addition to its culinary benefits, the feathery foliage of Mary Washington Asparagus adds an attractive, textured element to garden landscapes.
Seeds Per Packet
250mg | Approximately 42 |
500mg | Approximately 84 |
1g | Approximately 168 |
5g | Approximately 840 |
Elevate your gardening experience with the classic and dependable Mary Washington Asparagus. With its rich flavor, long-lasting productivity, and ornamental appeal, this heirloom variety is a must-have for any garden. Savor the satisfaction of homegrown asparagus, harvested fresh each spring!
Visit Our Detailed Asparagus Growing Guide and Tips!
Flavor and Culinary Uses
Flavor Profile: Mary Washington Asparagus offers a tender, mild flavor with a slightly sweet, earthy taste, making it a versatile ingredient in both simple and sophisticated dishes.
Culinary Uses: Perfect for steaming, grilling, roasting, or adding to soups and salads, Mary Washington Asparagus brings a delicate yet distinctive flavor to any meal. It pairs beautifully with lemon, garlic, and butter, as well as with fresh herbs and cheeses.
Plant Characteristics
Appearance: This variety produces long, slender spears with deep green tips and a touch of purple, adding visual interest to both your garden and your plate.
Height: Mary Washington Asparagus typically reaches heights of 4-5 feet (120-150 cm) once fully established, with feathery, fern-like foliage that creates a lush, ornamental backdrop in garden beds.
Growth Habit: As a perennial plant, Mary Washington Asparagus thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It requires patience to establish but rewards gardeners with abundant harvests each spring for many years to come.
Benefits of Growing Mary Washington Asparagus
Long-Lived Perennial: Once established, Mary Washington Asparagus provides delicious, tender spears year after year, making it a rewarding investment for your garden.
Rich Flavor: The mild, slightly sweet taste of this asparagus variety enhances a wide range of dishes, from simple sides to gourmet creations.
Low Maintenance: Mary Washington Asparagus is a hardy and resilient plant, requiring minimal care once established, and is known for its resistance to common asparagus diseases.
Ornamental Value: In addition to its culinary benefits, the feathery foliage of Mary Washington Asparagus adds an attractive, textured element to garden landscapes.
Seeds Per Packet
250mg | Approximately 42 |
500mg | Approximately 84 |
1g | Approximately 168 |
5g | Approximately 840 |
Elevate your gardening experience with the classic and dependable Mary Washington Asparagus. With its rich flavor, long-lasting productivity, and ornamental appeal, this heirloom variety is a must-have for any garden. Savor the satisfaction of homegrown asparagus, harvested fresh each spring!
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