Mary Washington, Asparagus Seeds

Key Attributes

Sun
Sun: Full Sun
Packet
Packet: 100 Seeds
Days To Maturity (# Days)
Days To Maturity (# Days): 730
Botanical Name
Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis

Mary Washington, Asparagus Seeds

Mary Washington asparagus is a classic and highly regarded variety of asparagus known for its exceptional taste and historical significance. This asparagus variety, scientifically known as Asparagus officinalis 'Mary Washington,' has a rich and earthy flavor that is often described as sweet and nutty. It's a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts for its delectable taste and tender texture when cooked.

With roots tracing back to the early 20th century, Mary Washington asparagus has a storied history. It was first developed by a breeder named J. Arthur Thomson in Maryland, USA. This heirloom variety has since gained popularity for its reliable and consistent performance in home gardens and commercial farms.

Mary Washington asparagus typically produces medium to large-sized spears that are deep green in color. It takes approximately 2 to 3 years from planting to reach maturity, at which point it can be harvested for many years to come. A single plant can yield numerous spears, making it a rewarding addition to any garden.

To grow Mary Washington asparagus successfully, it requires specific conditions. It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. This variety prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. Adequate spacing is essential, as mature plants can spread up to 4 feet in width. It's important to provide consistent moisture and weed control to ensure healthy growth. With proper care and attention, Mary Washington asparagus can be a delicious and enduring addition to your garden.


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Key Attributes

Sun
Sun: Full Sun
Packet
Packet: 100 Seeds
Days To Maturity (# Days)
Days To Maturity (# Days): 730
Botanical Name
Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis

Product Details

Weight

0.006

Depth

0.1

Height

4.5

Width

3.25

Plant Height

1-4'

Botanical Name

Asparagus officinalis

Seed Type

Seed

Additional Characteristics

Best Tasting Vegetables

Seeds Per Gram

34

Seeds Per Pound

15,200

Row Spacing

30"

Packet

100 Seeds

Sow Depth

1/2"

Disease Resistance

RR, S

Seeds Per Ounce

950

Fruit Color

Green

Breed

Open-pollinated

Sun

Full Sun

Cubic Inches

1.4625

Life Cycle

Perennial

Sow Method

Transplant

Plant Spacing

18"

Categories

Asparagus

Germination

11,22,12,23,13,24,14,25,15,26,16,27,17,28,18,29,19,30,20,10,21

Days To Maturity (# Days)

730

Heirloom

Heirloom

Components

Growing Instructions

    Learning Download: How to Grow Asparagus Seeds

Asparagus is one of the few perennial vegetable crops. The shoots are picked as young spears in the spring. Later in the season the foliage matures into an airy, fern-like cloud which changes to a golden color in the fall. Because asparagus takes up a permanent place in the garden, but can be an attractive plant, many people with space imitations use asparagus as a border or hedge plant.

Before Planting: Plants can be started from seed about 4 weeks before the last expected frost. More commonly they are grown from crowns, which are the one year old base and roots of the plants. These are planted in a trench with the roots spread out over mounded soil. The trench is gradually filled in as the plants grow.

Planting: Dig a trench 8 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the outspread roots (about 10 inches), then space the asparagus 18 inches apart. Leave four feet between rows. Cover the roots with two inches of soil, and continue to fill in the trench as shoots grow. Be sure never to bury the green shoots completely. The trench can usually be filled by the end of the first growing season, but if not, simply continue to work on it the second year.

Watering: Water regularly, especially while young.

Fertilizer: Top dress annually with compost or mulch. Keep the patch free of competing weeds.

Days to Maturity: It takes about three years for plants to mature enough for harvesting. Prior to that plants should be allowed to grow and feed themselves.

Harvesting: In the third year, begin harvesting spears that are finger-sized and about 8″ long. You can either snap off the spears are cut them with a knife. Harvest for about 4 weeks the first year. In subsequent years you can harvest until the weather warms and the spears look spindly. Then allow the foliage to grow and feed the plants.

Tips: Asparagus is a spring crop, preferring cooler temperatures and full sun.

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Our Seed Promise

"Agriculture and seeds" provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, to genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems, and ultimately to healthy people and communities.

To learn more about the "Safe Seed Pledge" please visit www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org.