Mary Washington, Asparagus Seeds

Mary Washington Asparagus Seed

Classic heirloom develops thick dark green spears
Purple-tinted tight tips add subtle visual interest
Open-pollinated plants preserve an old garden favorite
Patient establishment leads to many productive seasons

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Asparagus officinalis

Days to maturity

2 Years

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

100 Seeds

About Mary Washington, Asparagus Seed, Asparagus Seed

Mary Washington Asparagus is a time-tested heirloom variety prized for its delicious flavor, dependable performance, and long-lasting productivity. Producing tender, deep green spears with a sweet, nutty taste, this classic asparagus is a favorite for fresh eating, grilling, roasting, and steaming. Once established, plants can produce abundant harvests for 15–20 years or more, making it an excellent investment for home gardens.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

14–28 days

Germination Type

C60 - Cold Moist 60 Days

In-row plant spacing

14"

Row Spacing

30"

Plant profile

Maturity

Spring

Life Cycle

Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 2-9

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

950

Color

Green

Seed Type

Heirloom

Before Planting

Plan the asparagus bed as a long-term planting rather than an ordinary annual row. Deep soil, full sun, excellent drainage, and freedom from perennial weeds matter more than elaborate amendments. Work mature compost through the bed and use containers that allow the first roots to grow downward without circling.

Planting

Sow indoors roughly 10–12 weeks before the last spring frost, placing seed about 1/2 inch deep. Warmth speeds emergence, while bright light afterward keeps the seedlings sturdy. Move hardened plants outside after severe frost risk subsides, preserving the root ball and giving each one its permanent spacing.

Watering

Trays should remain moist through germination, but standing water invites root trouble. During the first two garden seasons, irrigate deeply whenever rainfall fails to wet the developing root system. Mature crowns tolerate short dry spells better than newly planted seedlings.

Fertilizer

Once true leaves appear, pale seedlings may benefit from a dilute complete fertilizer. Established beds respond well to compost or nutrients supplied after harvest, when the ferns are rebuilding underground reserves. Avoid late applications that produce tender growth near winter.

Harvesting

Patience is essential with seed-grown asparagus. Leave every spear during the first two seasons, then take only a brief harvest in year three. Snap or cut firm spears before their tips loosen, ending the harvest as soon as new spears become noticeably thinner.

Tips

Weeds can overwhelm narrow young ferns, so mulch and hand-pull rather than cultivating deeply around them. Let the fern canopy grow all summer to recharge the crowns. Remove the stalks only after they turn completely brown during dormancy.

Disease Resistance Abbreviations

RR/DOC, SPS

Root Rot and Damping-Off Complex, Stemphylium Purple Spot

Pests & Diseases

Young asparagus is vulnerable to damping-off and seedborne Fusarium before rust, purple spot, and crown rot appear later. Use clean seed and sterile mix, avoid saturated trays, provide airflow, and transplant only sturdy seedlings into well-drained soil. Discard collapsed starts and prevent soil from infected beds contaminating trays or tools.

Scout emerging spears for asparagus beetles and their dark eggs, particularly on warm afternoons. Cutworms and slugs may sever seedlings, while aphids weaken fern growth. Handpicking, clean fall removal of dead ferns, and protection of beneficial insects usually provide the first line of control.