Asparagus, Mary Washington, Bare Root

Asparagus: Mary Washington

Description:
Mary Washington asparagus is a time-tested heirloom variety cherished for its dependable yields, tender spears, and excellent flavor. Known for its vibrant green spears with tight purple-tinged tips, this perennial vegetable is a favorite among home gardeners for its ease of cultivation and longevity. Once established, Mary Washington plants can produce a bountiful harvest each spring for 15 years or more.

Key Features:

• Type: Open-pollinated heirloom variety
• Flavor: Mild, tender, and slightly sweet
• Spear Size: Medium to large, with a deep green color and purple tips
• Lifespan: Long-lived perennial, producing for 15–20 years under good care
• Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 3–10

Growing Tips:

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Amend with compost or organic matter before planting.
• Light: Full sun is essential for robust growth and spear production.
• Planting:
  • Crowns: Plant dormant crowns in early spring, 6–8 inches deep and 12–18 inches apart, in trenches spaced 4–5 feet apart.
  • Seeds: Start indoors in late winter or direct sow in early spring; transplant seedlings when they reach 12 inches tall.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during the first year of establishment but avoid waterlogging. Mature plants are more drought-tolerant.
• Fertilization: Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and after harvest to encourage healthy fern growth for the next season.
• Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots during cold winters.

Harvesting:

• Begin light harvesting in the second or third year after planting crowns (third or fourth year if grown from seed).
• Harvest spears when they reach 6–8 inches tall, cutting or snapping them just above the soil line.
• Stop harvesting in late spring to allow ferns to grow, which nourish the plant for the following year’s crop.

Why Grow Mary Washington Asparagus?

• Heirloom Quality: A classic variety with a proven track record for productivity and flavor.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and thrives for decades.
• Nutritional Benefits: Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

Mary Washington asparagus is an excellent addition to any garden, offering delicious, tender spears each spring and a beautiful, feathery foliage display in summer.