Asparagus, Mary Washington

Asparagus, Mary Washington (Asparagus officinalis)

Mary Washington Asparagus is a classic perennial vegetable variety, known for its tender, flavorful spears and long-lasting productivity. This variety is highly valued for its ease of growth, adaptability, and ecological benefits, supporting beneficial insects and enhancing soil health. With proper care, it can provide delicious asparagus spears for up to 20 years, making it an essential addition to any home garden or permaculture design.

Key Characteristics:

• Attracts Beneficial Insects
  Asparagus plants left to flower produce delicate yellow blooms that attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies, which help control pests like aphids. This creates a natural pest management system in vegetable gardens, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

• Wildlife Shelter and Habitat
  The tall, feathery foliage of mature asparagus provides shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife, offering habitat for ground-nesting birds and other animals in garden ecosystems. It also supports biodiversity by creating a microhabitat within your garden.

• Traditional and Medicinal Uses
  Asparagus has been used traditionally as a medicinal plant for its diuretic properties and is believed to support kidney function. Both the tender spears and roots have been used in remedies for urinary health and digestive support.

• Improves Soil Health
  As a perennial vegetable, asparagus is an excellent long-term investment in garden soil health. Its deep roots help break up compacted soils, improve water infiltration, and reduce erosion, making it a great addition to permaculture systems and perennial beds.

• Long-Term Crop for Home Gardens
  Mary Washington Asparagus is perfect for home gardeners looking to establish a long-term, productive crop. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soils and is highly adaptable to various climates. Once established, it provides yearly harvests with minimal maintenance.

Product Details:

• Native range: Europe, Asia, and North Africa
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Sun requirements: Full sun
• Soil requirements: Medium, well-drained soils
• Mature height: 4-6 feet (ferns)
• Harvest time: Spring (spears)
• Bloom time: Early summer (if left to flower)
• Bloom color: Yellow
• USDA Hardiness zones: 3-8

Mary Washington Asparagus is an excellent choice for long-term garden productivity, providing nutritious spears while supporting beneficial insects and improving soil health.